A Review of the Evidence for and Against a Role for Mast Cells in Cutaneous Scarring and Fibrosis

The review examined the role of mast cells in cutaneous scarring and fibrosis, presenting evidence both for and against their involvement. Mast cells were found to contribute to fibrosis by releasing mediators like TGF-β, chymase, and tryptase, which promote fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. However, some studies indicated that mast cells might not be essential for wound healing or fibrosis, as genetic ablation did not significantly impair these processes in certain models. The review highlighted the complexity and context-dependency of mast cell functions, suggesting that their role in fibrosis varies with different types of wounds and healing environments. Further research was needed to fully understand their interactions and potential as therapeutic targets.