Human iPSCs-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote skin regeneration and burn wound healing
Mahmoud Farahat, Sophie Brosset, Yufei Chen, Ayesha Aijaz, Graham Rix, Bhavishya Challagundla, Margarita Elloso, Maria Fernanda Hutter, Ian M. Rogers, Marc G. Jeschke
Abstract
The key to surviving severe burns is rapid burn wound excision and closure, yet extensive wounds often surpass natural healing capacity. Alternative treatments, such as synthetic skin substitutes, have not emerged as a standard, optimal solution. Stem cell therapies, especially using allogenic sources, show promise in enhancing wound repair. Induced mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) have demonstrated vast possibilities to overcome traditional stem cell therapy limitations. This study utilized Cord tissue-derived iMSCs (CT-iMSCs) incorporated into well-established epidermal-dermal substitutes Integra® Dermal Regeneration Template (DRT) at 5000–20,000 cells/cm 2 in a porcine full-thickness burn model to test their regenerative capabilities. We evaluated healing outcomes, inflammation, neovascularization, collagen levels, and fibrosis markers. Wounds treated with CT-iMSCs showed notable improvements, including faster wound healing, better epithelialization, and marked improvements in healing markers compared to controls. These data support the potential of iMSCs as an ideal cell source for autologous skin regeneration.