Cytokine Modulation in Wound Healing Processes
Summary
Wound healing is a dynamic, multi-phase process orchestrated by a finely tuned network of cytokines that regulate inflammation, tissue formation and remodelling. In the initial inflammatory phase, proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1, tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 recruit immune cells to clear debris and pathogens. As repair progresses, a shift towards anti-inflammatory mediators including interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β promotes resolution of inflammation, stimulates fibroblast proliferation and drives extracellular matrix deposition. Neovascularisation is supported by vascular endothelial growth factor and other cytokine signals that ensure oxygen and nutrient delivery. Finally, a balance between cytokine-induced matrix metalloproteinase activity and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases governs collagen remodelling to restore tissue integrity. Dysregulation at any stage, whether excessive proinflammatory signalling or inadequate anti-inflammatory transition, can lead to chronic wounds or fibrotic scarring. Recent advances have focused on controlled cytokine delivery, gene-modified cell therapies and biomaterial platforms to modulate the cytokine milieu and achieve scar-less healing. These strategies hold global significance for improving outcomes in diabetic ulcers, burn injuries and surgical wounds.
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Cytokine Modulation in Wound Healing Processes publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in cytokine modulation in wound healing processes across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Cytokine: A small signalling protein released by cells to coordinate immune and repair responses.
Proinflammatory cytokine: A mediator such as interleukin-6 that initiates and sustains inflammatory cell recruitment.
Anti-inflammatory cytokine: A mediator such as interleukin-10 that suppresses inflammation and promotes tissue repair.
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β): A family of cytokines that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and extracellular matrix production.
Mesenchymal stem cell: A multipotent stromal cell capable of secreting reparative cytokines and differentiating into connective tissue lineages.
Neovascularisation: The formation of new blood vessels essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the healing tissue.
Extracellular matrix (ECM): The network of collagen, fibronectin and proteoglycans that provides structural support during tissue remodelling.
References
- Adipose‐derived stem cells enriched with therapeutic mRNA TGF‐β3 and IL‐10 synergistically promote scar‐less wound healing in preclinical models. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine (2023).
- Dipotassium Glycyrrhizininate Improves Skin Wound Healing by Modulating Inflammatory Process. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
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