Antler Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Promote Regenerative Wound Healing via Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Transition Inhibition

The study explores the use of antler stem cell-derived exosomes (AnSC-exos) in promoting regenerative wound healing in a rat model. AnSC-exos significantly accelerated wound healing and improved the quality of healing by enhancing the regeneration of hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and collagen structure. They effectively inhibited the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT), a key process in scarring, by down-regulating the TGF-β1 pathway. AnSC-exos were as effective as antler stem cells and more potent than bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes, suggesting their potential as a novel, cell-free therapeutic for scarless wound healing.