Mesenchymal Stem Cell Applications in Burn Wound Healing
Summary
Burn injuries represent a major global health burden, often resulting in prolonged inflammatory responses, impaired vascularisation and excessive scarring. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic modality owing to their capacity for multilineage differentiation, secretion of trophic factors and potent immunomodulatory effects. In preclinical studies, MSCs sourced from adipose tissue, umbilical cord and amniotic membrane have been administered as cell suspensions, within supportive biomaterial matrices or via their acellular derivatives to modulate each phase of wound repair. Key actions include suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, promotion of neovascularisation, facilitation of re-epithelialisation and encouragement of organised extracellular matrix remodelling. Delivery strategies range from direct injection to scaffold-based constructs and isolated extracellular vesicles, each tailored to optimise cell survival and paracrine signalling. Early animal models have demonstrated accelerated wound closure, regeneration of skin appendages and reduced scar formation. Although clinical translation remains at a nascent stage, these studies underpin a new paradigm in burn care that integrates regenerative medicine with conventional surgical and supportive therapies.
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Mesenchymal Stem Cell Applications in Burn Wound Healing publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in mesenchymal stem cell applications in burn wound healing across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC): A multipotent progenitor cell capable of differentiating into bone, fat and cartilage and exerting immunoregulatory and trophic effects.
Adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC): An MSC population isolated from fat tissue, notable for ease of harvest and robust paracrine activity.
Paracrine secretome: The collection of cytokines, growth factors and signalling molecules released by cells to influence neighbouring tissues.
Extracellular vesicle: A membrane-bound particle secreted by cells that transports proteins, lipids and nucleic acids to distant or adjacent cells.
Neovascularisation: The formation of new blood vessels essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to healing tissue.
Re-epithelialisation: The process by which keratinocytes migrate to restore the skin’s epithelial barrier after injury.
References
- The efficacy of adipose-derived stem cells in burn injuries: a systematic review. Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters (2024).
- Application of Adipose-Tissue Derived Products for Burn Wound Healing. Pharmaceuticals (2023).
- Lipoaspirate fluid derived factors and extracellular vesicles accelerate wound healing in a rat burn model. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2023).
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