Anagen Hair Follicles Transplanted Into Mature Human Scars Remodel Fibrotic Tissue

In a pilot clinical study, researchers investigated whether anagen hair follicles transplanted into mature human scars could remodel fibrotic tissue. The study involved full-thickness skin biopsies to compare the morphology and transcriptional signature of fibrotic tissue before and after transplantation. Results showed that the transplanted hair follicles increased epidermal thickness, dermal cell density, and vessel density, while remodeling collagen fibers reduced the total collagen fraction and alignment. Additionally, there was a shift in the cytokine environment, with a long-lasting inhibition of pro-fibrotic factors such as TGF-β1, IL-13, and IL-6. These findings suggested that anagen hair follicles could attenuate the fibrotic phenotype, offering potential therapeutic approaches for remodeling mature scars.