Fig. 1.

a Normal fibroblast function. Fibroblasts are the primary resident cell in the dermis and are the major contributor to skin fibrosis. Fibroblasts typically proliferate and produce collagen at a basal rate to maintain dermal integrity. b Abnormal fibroblast function increases proliferation and collagen production leading to skin fibrosis. Fibroblasts contributing to skin fibrosis have an increased proliferation rate and an increased collagen production and deposition rate. These cellular alterations are the hallmark of skin fibrosis, and thus are targets of therapeutic interest. c Light-emitting diode-generated red light (LED-RL) reduces fibroblast proliferation and collagen production. LED-RL alters fibroblast function leading to decreased collagen production and fibroblast proliferation. If LED-RL is capable of returning fibroblast activity to basal levels, LED-RL may be a therapeutic option for the prevention or treatment of skin fibrosis