Immune Cells in Cutaneous Wound Healing: A Review of Functional Data from Animal Models

This review discusses the role of various immune cells in skin wound healing, based on animal studies. It focuses on myeloid lineage cells (platelets, mast cells, neutrophils, and macrophages) and lymphoid lineage cells (T cells, B cells, and innate lymphoid cells). Platelets initiate hemostasis and secrete growth factors but don't significantly affect wound re-epithelialization, collagen synthesis, or vascular density. Mast cells' role in wound healing and scar formation is inconsistent. Neutrophils are crucial in infected wounds but don't have significant positive effects on normal wound healing. Macrophages are essential for wound repair, with their depletion leading to delays in wound closure, reduced collagen deposition, and angiogenesis. T cells, particularly γδ T cells, play a significant role in wound healing, with their depletion leading to reduced wound strength and collagen deposition. B cells and innate lymphoid cells also contribute to wound healing. The review concludes that further research is needed due to inconsistent results and the complexity of the immune response to wound healing.