Biphasic inflammation control by dedifferentiated fibroblasts enables axon regeneration after spinal cord injury in zebrafish

ABSTRACT Fibrosis and persistent inflammation are interconnected processes that inhibit axon regeneration in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). In zebrafish, by contrast, fibroblast-derived extracellular matrix deposition and inflammation facilitate regeneration. However, the regulatory cross-talk between fibroblasts and the innate immune system in the regenerating CNS is not understood. Here, we show that zebrafish fibroblasts possess a dual role in inducing and subsequently resolving inflammation, which are both essential for regeneration. We identify a transient, injury-specific cthrc1a + fibroblast state with an inflammation-associated, less differentiated, and non-fibrotic profile. Induction of this fibroblast state precedes and contributes to the initiation of the inflammatory response. At the peak of neutrophil influx, cthrc1a + fibroblasts coordinate the resolution of inflammation. Disruption of these inflammation dynamics inhibits axon regeneration and alters the mechano-structural properties of the lesion environment. This establishes the biphasic inflammation control by dedifferentiated fibroblasts as a pivotal mechanism for CNS regeneration. ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY Dedifferentiated fibroblasts sequentially induce and resolve neutrophil-driven inflammation through cytokine release to facilitate axon regeneration after spinal cord injury in zebrafish. HIGHLIGHTS Time-resolved single-cell transcriptomics of zebrafish spinal cord regeneration. Spinal cord injury induces fibroblast dedifferentiation. Dedifferentiated fibroblasts sequentially induce and resolve inflammation. Dysregulation of inflammation dynamics alters mechano-structural tissue properties.