The myofibroblast and Giulio Gabbiani: An inseparable couple celebrates their 50 years golden wedding anniversary.

The term myofibroblast has been introduced 50 years ago by Gabbiani and coworkers in two subsequent studies that characterized these enigmatic cells morphologically and functionally. This editorial provides a brief historical overview on the discoverer and the subject to introduce a theme issue on myofibroblasts that celebrates this important discovery. Owing to their central roles in promoting physiological wound healing but also excessive scarring of skin and internal organs, understanding myofibroblasts is key in developing strategies to manage scarless wound healing.