Macrophage Polarization: A Novel Target and Strategy for Pathological Scarring

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

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.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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