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Macrophage Polarization: A Novel Target and Strategy for Pathological Scarring

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  • Published:
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Aims and scope

Abstract

Background

Abnormal scarring imposes considerable challenges and burdens on the lives of patients and healthcare system. Macrophages at the wound site are found to be of great concern to overall wound healing. There have been many studies indicating an inextricably link between dysfunctional macrophages and fibrotic scars. Macrophages are not only related to pathogen destruction and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, but also involved in angiogenesis, keratinization and collagen deposition. These abundant cell functions are attributed to specific heterogeneity and plasticity of macrophages, which also add an extra layer of complexity to correlational researches.

Methods

This article summarizes current understanding of macrophage polarization in scar formation and several prevention and treatment strategies on pathological scarring related to regulation of macrophage behaviors by utilizing databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and so on.

Results

There are many studies proving that macrophages participate in the course of wound healing by converting their predominant phenotype. The potential of macrophages in managing hypertrophic scars and keloid lesions have been underscored.

Conclusion

Macrophage polarization offers new prevention strategies for pathological scarring. Learning about and targeting at macrophages may be helpful in achieving optimum wound healing.

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Data availability

All data generated or analyzed are included in this article. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (No.82160378,81860340) and Chongqing traditional chinese medicine inheritance and innovation team project(2023090006KJZX2022WJW008).

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China, 82160378, Dewu Liu, 81860340, Dewu Liu

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  1. Medical Center of Burn Plastic and Wound Repair, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China

    Xinyi Wang & Dewu Liu

  2. Queen Mary Academy, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China

    Xinyi Wang

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Wang, X., Liu, D. Macrophage Polarization: A Novel Target and Strategy for Pathological Scarring. Tissue Eng Regen Med (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13770-024-00669-7

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