THBS1 and systemic sclerosis: The data presented in this investigation shown that TSP1 is tightly linked with the enhanced contractility of SSc fibroblasts in the context of a three-dimensional culture system, as knockdown of the TSP1 gene or a blocking anti-TSP1 peptide, which prevents activation of latent TGFβ, reduced the cell contractility of fibrotic SSc fibroblasts.