Unveiling the secret of cellular metamorphosis: the crucial role of EndMT mechanisms in COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in several long-term complications, with COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis being a significant concern. Despite increasing recognition, the mechanisms underlying its development, effective treatment strategies, and long-term outcomes remain poorly understood. Emerging research highlights the direct impact of SARS-CoV-2 on vascular endothelial cells, identifying endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) as a key factor in the progression of COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis. However, there is a notable lack of comprehensive reviews addressing the link between EndMT and COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis. This review seeks to fill that gap by providing an in-depth analysis of the relationship between EndMT and fibrosis, examining relevant risk factors and molecular pathways. Our findings offer critical insights that could inform the development of targeted anti-fibrotic therapies aimed at mitigating COVID-19-related pulmonary fibrosis. Ultimately, this review aims to advance understanding of the role of EndMT in pulmonary fibrosis and to guide future research and treatment approaches.