Engineering strategies to enhance the research progress of mesenchymal stem cells in wound healing
Dawei Wang, Ao Chen, Yuan Fang, Chuanxue Ma, Yafei Lu, Chungen Zhou, Qizhi Liu, Bin Jiang
Abstract
Wound healing is a multifaceted biological process involving critical phases such as inflammation modulation, tissue regeneration, and angiogenesis. Traditional therapies often yield inconsistent results. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)—with their abilities for self-renewal, tissue repair, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation—represent a promising avenue in regenerative medicine and wound healing. However, the efficacy of MSCs is frequently compromised by the hostile post-transplantation microenvironment. Recent advances in engineering strategies—including gene modification, preconditioning, biomaterial scaffolds, and hydrogels—have significantly enhanced the therapeutic potential of MSCs by improving their survival, proliferation, and migration. Moreover, the combined application of multiple engineering approaches further optimizes wound healing outcomes by accelerating tissue repair and reducing scar formation. In this review, we systematically summarize the mechanisms underlying MSC-mediated wound healing, their clinical applications, and the impact of various engineering strategies, with the aim of facilitating the clinical translation of engineered MSCs and providing more effective therapeutic solutions.