Alteration of Skin Properties with Autologous Dermal Fibroblasts

Abstract

Dermal fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells found between the skin epidermis and subcutaneous tissue. They are primarily responsible for synthesizing collagen and glycosaminoglycans; components of extracellular matrix supporting the structural integrity of the skin. Dermal fibroblasts play a pivotal role in cutaneous wound healing and skin repair. Preclinical studies suggest wider applications of dermal fibroblasts ranging from skin based indications to non-skin tissue regeneration in tendon repair. One clinical application for autologous dermal fibroblasts has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) while others are in preclinical development or various stages of regulatory approval. In this context, we outline the role of fibroblasts in wound healing and discuss recent advances and the current development pipeline for cellular therapies using autologous dermal fibroblasts. The microanatomic and phenotypic differences of fibroblasts occupying particular locations within the skin are reviewed, emphasizing the therapeutic relevance of attributes exhibited by subpopulations of fibroblasts. Special focus is provided to fibroblast characteristics that define regional differences in skin, including the thick and hairless skin of the palms and soles as compared to hair-bearing skin. This regional specificity and functional identity of fibroblasts provides another platform for developing regional skin applications such as the induction of hair follicles in bald scalp or alteration of the phenotype of stump skin in amputees to better support their prosthetic devices.

PKCδ inhibition normalizes the wound-healing capacity of diabetic human fibroblasts

“…However, similar to cytokine therapies, fibroblast therapy is clinically less effective in patients with diabetes than in nondiabetic persons (22), even with autologous transplants. These findings suggest the presence of metabolic memory in cultured fibroblasts from diabetic donors or an ability of the diabetic milieu to rapidly induce cellular abnormalities in normal fibroblasts (5,23).…”

Application of Dermal Fibroblast Cells in Cell Therapy of Wound

“…for treatment of ulcers, diabetic ulcer, skin wrinkles, and burns (33) have proven to be promising. Therefore, cell therapy, based on autologous dermis fibroblasts, provides good treatment for skin regeneration (34). Therefore, as cellular domain is one of the most important areas for commercialization of knowledge, a platform to develop science and technology in the field of supply and processing of stem cells is needed.…”

Regenerative medicine: Current therapies and future directions

“…Allogeneic injected fibroblasts were found to deposit type VII collagen deposition, thereby temporarily correcting disease morphology (101). A prototypical example of transplanted cells inducing a regenerative effect is the administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are being widely explored both preclinically and clinically to improve cardiac regeneration after infarction, and to treat graft-versushost disease, multiple sclerosis, and brain trauma (2,102) (Fig.…”