FIGURE 2.

Soluble factor-activated signaling pathways in fibroblastic cells in CNT-exposed mouse lungs. Certain pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic mediator-regulated signaling pathways, including the canonical NF-κB pathway, the canonical, Smad-dependent TGF-β pathway, and the ERK signaling, have been reported to be activated in fibroblastic cells in CNT-exposed lungs. These pathways exert crucial functions in promoting the development of fibrosis induced by CNTs. They demonstrate the activities and roles of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, as well as the connections between immune factors and fibrosis development, in the lung under CNT exposure.