In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and In Vivo Approaches for Investigation of Skin Scarring: Human and Animal Models.

ABSTRACT

Significance: The cutaneous repair process naturally results in different types of scarring that are classified as normal or pathological. Affected individuals are often affected from an esthetic, physical (functional), and psychosocial perspective. The distinct nature of scarring in humans, particularly the formation of pathological scars, makes the study of skin scarring a challenge for researchers in this area. Several established experimental models exist for studying scar formation. However, the increasing development and validation of newly emerging models have made it possible to carry out studies focused on different variables that influence this unique process. Recent Advances Experimental models such as in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models have obtained different degrees of success in the reproduction of the scar formation in its native milieu and true environment. These models also differ in their ability to elucidate the molecular, cellular, and structural mechanisms involved in scarring, as well as for testing new agents and approaches for therapies. The models reviewed here, including cells derived from human skin and in vivo animal models, have contributed to the advancement of skin scarring research. Critical Issues and Future Directions The absence of experimental models that faithfully reproduce the typical characteristics of the different types of human skin scars makes the improvement of validated models and the establishment of new ones a critical unmet need. The fields of wound healing research combined with tissue engineering have offered newer alternatives for experimental studies with the potential to provide clinically useful knowledge about scar formation.