Figure 1:

Proposed Role for Fibroblasts in Tunnel Formation and Inflammation in Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Acute inflammation may act as a priming signal for the activation of fibroblasts through epigenetic mechanisms (1. Inflammatory Priming) leading to the emergence of four discrete subpopulations (2. FSC Subpopulations). Each subpopulation demonstrates specific functional characteristics via actions involving specific inflammatory mediators, transcription factors and cellular pathways (3. Cellular Interactions). Such interactions are associated with (and proposed to be mechanistic causative in) the development of tunnels, epithelialized tracts and fibrosis in HS (4. Resultant Tissue Effects).