Lymphedema-associated fibroblasts are a TGF-β1 activated myofibroblast subpopulation related to fibrosis and stage progression in patients and a murine microsurgical model.

A characteristic SL myofibroblast subpopulation was identified and translationally related to fibrosis and TGF-β1-associated stage progression. This SL-related subpopulation was termed lymphedema-associated fibroblasts. A comprehensive stage-related characterization is required to validate LAF as a reliable biomarker for SL disease progression.