Immunological Challenges Associated With Artificial Skin Grafts: Available Solutions and Stem Cells in Future Design of Synthetic Skin

December 2017 in “ Journal of Biological Engineering ”

Saurabh Dixit, Dieudonné R. Baganizi, Rajnish Sahu, Ejowke Dosunmu, Atul A. Chaudhari, Komal Vig, Shreekumar Pillai, Shree R. Singh, Vida A. Dennis

artificial skin grafts autografts skin substitutes cadaver skin grafts donor cell treatments stem cell therapies bio-engineered skin substitutes immunological rejection tolerance induction full-thickness skin replacement

Studysummary This review discusses the challenges of skin graft acceptance and examines current strategies and alternatives for full-thickness skin replacement and repair, noting that immunological rejection remains a significant hurdle. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document reviewed the immunological challenges of artificial skin grafts, focusing on immune acceptance and long-term survival. It highlighted the limitations of autografts and the issues of rejection faced by allogeneic or xenogeneic grafts due to immune responses. The role of T lymphocytes and the importance of matching MHC molecules were emphasized in reducing rejection rates. Various strategies, including stem cell-based therapies, bio-engineered skin equivalents, and chemical agents, were explored to improve graft survival and induce tolerance. Despite advancements, no solution completely overcame immunological rejection, and existing engineered skin alternatives did not provide a permanent solution. The potential of stem cells, particularly MSCs and iPSCs, was noted for developing immune-compatible artificial skin, though further research was needed to address immune response challenges.

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