Numerous studies have shown that macrophages can orchestrate the microenvironment from the early stage of wound healing to the later stages of scar formation.

 The objective of a new study published in Burns & Trauma was to outline the polarization of macrophages from the early to late stage of pathological scar formation, focusing on spatiotemporal diversity of M1 and M2 macrophages.

The present review summarized in detail, the role of macrophages in the formation of hypertrophic scars and keloids.

It was noted that:

• The increased number of M2 cells before injuries are significantly associated with susceptibility to abnormal scar pathogenesis.
• Decreased expression of M1 at the early stage and delayed expression of M2 at the late stage results in pathological scar formation.
• M2 cells are highly expressed at both, the margin and the superficial region—which is consistent with the invasive property of keloids.

In inference, it was stated that the findings of this review would help in characterizing strategies for the prediction and prevention of pathological scar formation.

Source: Burns & Trauma. 2020 Mar 11;8:tkaa006. doi: 10.1093/burnst/tkaa006.