Cell-Based Therapies for Wound Healing

Cell-based therapies harness living cells or their derivatives to restore tissue integrity, accelerate repair and minimise scarring in acute and chronic wounds. Approaches include the transplantation of autologous or allogeneic fibroblasts and keratinocytes, the application of mesenchymal stromal cells and progenitor cell–seeded scaffolds, as well as the use of cell-derived secretomes and extracellular vesicles. By supplying growth factors, cytokines and extracellular matrix components, these therapies support key processes such as inflammation modulation, angiogenesis, matrix remodelling and re-epithelialisation. Recent advances address challenges of donor-site morbidity, immune compatibility and manufacturing scale-up, leading to off-the-shelf constructs, lyophilised cell preparations and accelerated production timelines. Globally, cell-based interventions are transforming care for severe burns, diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores, offering more rapid wound closure, reduced infection rates and improved functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have explored the integration of antimicrobial polycationic dendrimers with biological bandages composed of skin progenitor cells to treat deep burn wounds. Contrary to expectations that polycations impair vessel growth, moderate concentrations of these dendrimers not only eradicated multidrug-resistant bacteria but also enhanced neovascularisation when applied alongside cell-seeded constructs. Cell viability and growth factor secretion remained intact over several days, demonstrating a dual-action strategy that merges anti-infective protection with pro-angiogenic stimulation. This work establishes a precedent for multifunctional dressings that concurrently guard against infection and promote tissue regeneration.

Cell-Based Therapies for Wound Healing publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in cell-based therapies for wound healing across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Autologous transplantation: Use of a patient’s own cells to avoid immune rejection.

Allogeneic: Cells sourced from a donor, enabling off-the-shelf therapies but requiring compatibility screening.

Extracellular matrix: A network of proteins and polysaccharides providing structural support and biochemical cues to cells.

Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels, critical for nutrient delivery and tissue repair.

Partial reprogramming: Transient induction of youthful cellular states through non-genetic cues to reverse senescence and enhance regenerative potential.

References

1. Cell therapies for skin regeneration: an overview of 40 years of experience in burn units. Swiss Medical Weekly (2019).
2. Anti-Microbial Dendrimers against Multidrug-Resistant P. aeruginosa Enhance the Angiogenic Effect of Biological Burn-wound Bandages. Scientific Reports (2016).
3. Implanting mechanically reprogrammed fibroblasts for aged tissue regeneration and wound healing. Aging Cell (2023).
4. Cutaneous Cell Therapy Manufacturing Timeframe Rationalization: Allogeneic Off-the-Freezer Fibroblasts for Dermo-Epidermal Combined Preparations (DE-FE002-SK2) in Burn Care. Pharmaceutics (2023).