Employee Engagement: The Challenge of Working Together

This study aimed to profile inflammatory cell populations and gene expression in a murine model of thermal burns to better understand healing and scarring processes. Using C57Bl/6 mice, researchers created partial-thickness burns that healed within 2 weeks, mimicking human burn healing through contraction and re-epithelialization. The injury triggered an immediate increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, leading to a sequence of immune cell influxes, including neutrophils, dendritic cells, and macrophages, with a notable presence of inflammatory (M1) macrophages. Over 10 weeks, the residual scar showed increased size and thickness, but abnormal collagen ratios and macrophage populations normalized 3-4 weeks post-closure. This model provided valuable insights into the inflammatory response and could support future research on burn complications and the development of anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring treatments.