VIM and infection: The infection-associated fibroblasts express a range of markers, including those linked to extracellular matrix deposition such as Col1a1, Col1a2, Col6a2, vimentin (Vim), fibronectin, elastin (Eln), asporin (Aspn), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (Pdgfrb), and fibroblast activator protein-ɑ (Fap).