Helminth Protein Enhances Wound Healing by Inhibiting Fibrosis and Promoting Tissue Regeneration

The study demonstrates that a helminth-derived TGF-β mimic (TGM) significantly enhances wound healing by inhibiting fibrosis and promoting tissue regeneration. In murine models, TGM-treated wounds showed improved closure rates, increased hair follicle and sebaceous gland development, and more favorable collagen orientation, resembling normal skin. TGM reprograms macrophages to favor regenerative healing over fibrotic scarring, with reduced aSMA expression indicating lower myofibroblast activation. The study involved 5 mice per treatment group and highlights TGM's potential as a novel, bioactive, and stable therapeutic agent for wound care, offering advantages over current treatments.