Sketching new routes

A revolution in the study of cells and tissues was brought in part by the development of Immunology and the availability of monoclonal antibodies for the characterization of distinct cell populations by flow cytometry and in tissue immunochemistry, by the developments in Molecular Biology applied to the examination of tissues and cells, Genetics, all happening in the second half of the XX century.

From these studies, fibroblasts emerged as key cells in remodeling and renewal tissues, in chronic inflammation and in cancer development. So, fibroblasts became star cells in biology and pathology because they are very active in the dialogue between stromal cells, epithelial cells and microenvironmental extracellular matrix molecules.

Fibroblast, this STAR CELL, will be the POINT of our meeting.