Matrix control of scarring

Abstract

Repair of wounds usually results in restoration of organ function, even if suboptimal. However, in a minority of situations, the healing process leads to significant scarring that hampers homeostasis and leaves the tissue compromised. This scar is characterized by an excess of matrix deposition that remains poorly organized and weakened. While we know much of the early stages of the repair process, the transition to wound resolution that limits scar formation is poorly understood. This is particularly true of the inducers of scar formation. Here, we present a hypothesis that it is the matrix itself that is a primary driver of scar, rather than being simply the result of other cellular dysregulations.

Introduction

The wound site constitutes the most active and diverse organismal process outside of embryogenesis. Immediately upon injury a series of events is initiated that trigger the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic plasticity of cells of a multitude of origins, with the ultimate goal of restoring tissue integrity and homeostasis [1–3]. The network of effectors includes not just the resident parenchymal stromal (fibroblasts) and epithelial (keratinocytes for skin) cells but also endothelial cells, cells of the hematopoietic lineage, neurons, and even stem cells [4–6]. These cells function in a highly communicative and coordinated manner to recreate the formed elements and supporting matrices of the organ [7].

The end of this process is generally one of two outcomes. It needs to be noted that chronic wounds and continuing ulceration are less common pathologic conditions not considered here [8, 9]. One common outcome is a successful response in which the process of repair occurs and shuts down under precise sequencing and timing; this is known as regeneration. The other result is an uncontrolled event that in many cases results in a disorganized matrix that is characterized as fibrosis [10–12]. However, these are not fully exclusive outcomes as there are often elements of both in the healed wound. For most adult skin injuries, the wound results in a disorganized extracellular matrix (ECM) that forms a scar, though the degree to which this occurs is variable [7, 13–16]. Most often, the scarring is limited in scope and duration, with the initial scar being re-organized into more physiologically functional tissue over the ensuing months [17]. In many tissues, and especially during the fetal period, the result of the healing is towards regeneration with the resultant tissue nearly indistinguishable from uninjured tissue [4, 18–21].

The control of healing, and the direction towards scarring or regeneration, is the subject of intense investigation. What is known is that the tissues respond to both endogenous and exogenous stimuli. Furthermore, the ECM of the wound is both a major structural element and an active signaling element. While the structure of matrix and the components therein largely define scar, these are not inert elements; not only does the matrix contain pre-deposited factors and adhesion sites but also cryptic signaling elements (matrikines and matricryptins) [22–24]. This duality of function leads us to propose that the nature of the matrix and its maturation or evolution during wound resolution plays a major role in determining whether the healing process results in a fibrotic outcome or a regenerative one.

More specifically, questions still remain as to what triggers the re-emergence of a chronic inflammatory situation in a sterile wound environment late in remodeling that subsequently results in fibrosis. Are there chemotactic extracellular components or fragments that initiate the reappearance of inflammation during late matrix remodeling? This review provides an overview of key matrix players involved in orchestrating remodeling of the matrix and cell–matrix interactions that governs the outcome. Soluble factors and immunological aspects that contribute to scarring have received extensive coverage recently; rather, we provide a distinct but complementary perspective on another set of key initiators of scarring, the matrix-derived signals inherent in an immature matrix, and the role, if any, they play in eliciting non-resolving inflammation seen in wound maturation.

Diverse outcomes of the healing process

All multicellular organisms must respond to injury. However, the outcome of such responses can either generate fibrotic tissue, simply close a gap in the organ without replacement, or proceed to regenerate the missed tissue in fully functional form [25, 26]. While the differences are often striking as one proceeds along the phylogenetic tree, even in humans the outcomes diverge [27]. For example, fetal healing is typically characterized as a process that is rapid and results in regeneration of physiological tissue in a process referred to as scarless healing [27–30]. In contrast, a much slower process that results in scarring is seen in adult healing [31, 32]. A number of underlying diseases or genetic predispositions accentuate dysregulated healing or even activate the scarring process in the absence of insult. This leads to pathological conditions as seen in a variety of fibrotic diseases such as single organ fibrosis of the lung, heart, liver or more widely distributed diseases like scleroderma or connective tissue diseases [33–35]. Even though fibrosis may not be the primary triggering event in these diseases, it is the main element of the morbidity and mortality [36]. These diseases are thus characterized by ongoing fibrotic generation in the absence of external injury or insult. Understanding the fibrotic aspect and the mechanism of such will serve as a key in developing therapeutic approaches.

For all organs, the normal adult response to injury occurs in four, overlapping but inter-related, time-dependent phases: hemostasis, inflammation, tissue formation/regeneration, and tissue remodeling/resolution [1, 37]. All these events require extensive communication between diverse cell types and input from the prior phase [38–40]. Hemostasis initiates with the platelet plug and other coagulation events, such as serum protein cross-linking and vascular constriction [7, 41, 42]. The aim is to prevent exsanguination and maintain adequate volume and pressure for uninjured organs and tissue. In addition, the serum proteins and platelet lysate provide a provisional matrix to support the wave of cells that follow. Inflammation is concomitant with this initial phase as numerous elements of the innate immunity are trapped within the initial platelet plug [41]. In addition to further infiltration of the hemostatic plug secondary to chemoattractants released by platelets, these cells, mainly neutrophils and macrophages, provide for anti-microbial defense and remove dead cells and tissue [42, 43]. Importantly for our thesis, these cells produce ECM-modifying enzymes and, the macrophages in particular, matrix components that, together with the deposited fibrin, influence the entire subsequent reparative process. It is these deposits that hold damaged tissue together and provide a provisional matrix for the initial recruitment of inflammatory cells and later the migration of other resident cells including vessels and nerves [1, 44–47] (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1.

Healing by secondary intention involves the closure of a large open defect, and in skin wound healing proceeds through stages that effect repair approaching the original tissue via a wave of signaling factors that orchestrate the cells to generate a paucicellular barrier to the external hostile environment. It is critical that early in the process pro-stimulatory signals recruit cells to replace the lost tissue. However, late in the tissue formation and early in the tissue remodeling phase, other signals are needed to shut off this exuberant response. Growth factors and chemokines function during these phases as “stop” signals. CXCL11/IP-9 is made by redifferentiated keratinocytes that have covered their denuded provisional matrix and CXCL10/IP-10 is produced by nascent blood vessels. These chemokines maintain the de-differentiated state of migrating keratinocytes while causing the dermal fibroblasts to ‘differentiate’ to produce mature matrix. (Note, the initial stage of hemostasis is not shown here)

Neutrophils are the most abundant cells in the early inflammatory stages of healing. Neutrophils have diverse roles being part of innate immunity and signaling to other immune and adherent cells. As a critical phagocyte, neutrophils destroy and remove bacteria, foreign particles and damaged tissue. As neutrophils die, macrophages predominate, accumulating at the wound site following recruitment from circulation and from the resident population [48]. The two initial waves of macrophages, over the first few days post-wounding, involve mainly a M1 phenotype that if not present leads to impaired healing with limited wound maturation [48]. These macrophages act in unison with neutrophils to phagocytose debris and invading pathogenic microorganisms. A second role for these cells is as a source of chemoattractants and growth factors such as TGF-α, HB-EGF, PDGF, and TGF-β that act on the formed elements of the wound to promote immigration, proliferation and survival of these cells [44, 49–51]. These factors are also angiogenic [52]. The invading cells, along with the macrophages, change the matrix from a loose fibrin lattice into the provisional matrix rich in fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, tenascin, and collagen and laminin types representative of an immature matrix [48, 53–55].

This invasion by formed elements—stromal cells, epithelial cells, vasculature, and nerves—marks the tissue formation/regeneration phase. This is characterized by the presence of relatively undifferentiated cells that are both proliferative and migratory, but do not fully function as their mature counterparts in the unwounded tissue. For the epithelial cells, this may be considered a transient epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), in which the mesenchymal keratinocytes cells present a less mature phenotype that not only provides for enhanced migration but also produces matrix components [56]. Of note, the matrix at this phase resembles that during development and even tumor invasion. It has been shown that such a matrix is not just a product of an active unformed tissue but a stimulator of such. Tumor-associated matrix can drive a transient EMT in normal epithelial cells [7, 57, 58]. The high levels of tenascin-C, fibronectin, and entactin coupled with very low levels of the small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRP), such as decorin and lumican, trigger cell proliferation and migration [22, 23, 59–61]. At the same time, the cells are maintained in a less differentiated state, approaching EMT for the epithelial elements.

Similar to development but in contrast to tumor progression, this metaplastic stage is short-lived as the wound enters the remodeling/resolving phase [37, 57]. During this phase, the excessive cellularity of the regenerative phase is reversed with active apoptosis of stromal and epithelial cells, and dissolution of immature vessels. The ongoing cell proliferation is suppressed, with the balance shifting dramatically towards loss of cells. In skin wound healing, over 90% of the vessels and other formed elements may be lost during this period. This shift in cell concentration is an active process, in which a maturing matrix plays an active role [23, 62]. The remodeling phase involves the rapid degradation of components of the immature matrix and equally rapid synthesis of mature connective tissue proteins. The total amount of collagen increases as the stimulation of collagen I synthesis exceeds that of collagen III and other forms [62, 63]. Furthermore, the markers of matrix immaturity, fibronectin and tenascin-C, disappear and the SLRP content, such as decorin, lumican, and biglycan, increases dramatically [22, 59]. High concentrations of collagen I fibrils, particularly if crosslinked, are highly adhesive, a property that limits cell migration, while the SLRP molecules downregulate the signaling from a variety of growth factor receptors [22, 63]. Not only does this matrix reverse the stimulatory environment of the preceeding phase but these proteins couple with soluble chemokines to drive matrix contraction by the stromal cells (fibroblasts and myofibroblasts) to form a scar [64, 65].

The healing process in adults concludes with the resolution of the scar over the ensuing months. Collagen levels returns to normal tissue levels, as the tissue approaches, but does not reach, pre-injury homeostasis.

Unfortunately, this process does not always go as planned. In many instances, the scar will continue to remodel, grow, and expand resulting in clinically dysfunctional and debilitating scar. Here, we present evidence to suggest that, when matrix maturation is disrupted, chronic inflammation ensues even in the absence of continuing external stimuli or insults.

Extracellular matrix alterations during healing

Healing and fibrosis result from a difference in the balance of the biosynthetic and degradative pathways of ECM restructuring. The precise molecular mechanisms that underlie the ECM-mediated regulation and cell/matrix interaction of the complex processes of wound healing and fibrosis is not fully understood; still, a coherent view of the interplay between the cells and matrix is emerging. Specifically, a number of ECM constituents that directs dermal cells to further alter ECM synthesis and turnover have been identified. Here, we discuss these in terms of the continuous remodeling that characterizes the scarring process.

The ECM is assembled from components synthesized and deposited outside the cell surface that provide structural and functional integrity to connective tissues and organs [66]. The synthesis and deposition of ECM largely occur in response to growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and mechanical signals mediated via cell surface receptors [22, 67]. These signals influence various processes at the wound site including stimulation of keratinocytes and fibroblast proliferation and migration, influx and activation of inflammatory cells, and the synthesis and breakdown of ECM proteins [68] (Table 1).

Table 1.

Select component	Phase(s)	Cellular expression	Key growth factor(s)	Function
Collagen I	Hemostasis	Epithelial, endothelial, fibroblast, smooth muscle, leukocytes, platelets	bFGF	Tissue architecture
	Inflammatory		TGF-β	Tensile strength
	Tissue formation		PDGF	Cell–matrix and matrix–matrix interaction
	Tissue remodeling		EGF	ECM remodeling
Collagen III	Hemostasis	Epithelial, endothelial, fibroblast, leukocytes, platelets	EGF	Tissue architecture
	Inflammatory		TGF-β	Matrix–matrix interaction
	Tissue formation		PDGF	Maturation and ECM remodeling
			EGF
Fibrinogen	Hemostasis	Platelets, leukocytes, endothelial, fibroblast	FGF-2	Cell–cell interaction
	Inflammatory		VEGF	Cell–matrix
	Tissue formation			Platelet–protein
				Cell proliferation
				Cell migration
Hyaluronan	Tissue formation	Epithelial, fibroblast, smooth muscle	TGF-β1	Cell–matrix interactions
	Tissue remodeling		EGF	Matrix–matrix interactions
			Chemokines	Cell proliferation
				Cell migration
Fibronectin	Hemostasis	Epithelial, endothelial, fibroblast, leukocytes, platelets	PDGF	Tissue architecture
	Inflammatory		Chemokines	Cell–matrix and matrix–matrix interactions
	Tissue formation			Cell proliferation and migration
	Tissue remodeling			Opsonin
Tenascin C	Tissue formation	Epithelial, fibroblast	EGF-like repeats	Modulates cell–matrix
	Tissue remodeling		TGF-β	Anti-adhesive
			Chemokines	Anti-proliferative
Decorin	Tissue formation	Fibroblast	EGF	Cell–matrix interactions
	Tissue remodeling		TGF-β1	Matrix–matrix interactions
			Chemokines	Bind and storage of growth factors
				Cell proliferation
Entactin (or nidogen)	Hemostasis	Epithelial, fibroblast, neutrophil	EGF	Basement membrane component
	Inflammatory			Stabilizes basement membrane
	Tissue formation
Laminin	Hemostasis	Epithelial, endothelial, fibroblast, smooth muscle, platelets, neutrophil, monocyte	EGF	Basement membrane component
	Inflammatory		Chemokines	Cell migration
	Tissue formation
	Tissue remodeling
Collagen IV	Tissue formation	Epithelial, endothelial, fibroblast, smooth muscle, platelets, neutrophil, monocyte	EGF	Basement membrane component
	Tissue remodeling		Chemokines	Cell migration

Cell–matrix interaction

Collagen is the most abundant component of ECM and forms its fibrous backbone. Collagens control tissue architecture, tensile strength, cell–matrix, and matrix–matrix interaction. At least 18 different types of collagen have been associated with skin injury and scarring; fibrillar collagens such as type I and III are major constituents of scar tissue. Collagen type I forms a relatively rigid, linear fibrillar network [63, 69]. During the healing process increased collagen deposition is contributed by both resident dermal fibroblasts and at the wound edge by immigrating cells including keratinocytes [70, 71]. The level of collagens during healing is regulated by synthesis and degradation. Interestingly, the fibroblast is the main cell type that both synthesizes and degrades ECM components, with this being orchestrated by growth factors and chemokines in endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine fashions [72–74]. It is these mediators that stimulate the rates of collagen synthesis and degradation during healing. Of interest for scarring, collagen fragments liberated during degradation are chemotactic for inflammatory cells. When this balanced synthesis/degradation process tips towards excessive turnover, such elements recruit cells that result in excessive scarring.

Fibronectin is an adhesive protein component of ECM involved in cell attachment and chemokinesis (Table 1). This 540-kDa glycoprotein is a homodimer. Fibronectin exists as a soluble dimer in the blood plasma as well as a fixed component of fibrous ECM and basement membrane [75, 76]. Immediately upon injury, a provisional ECM, consisting predominantly of fibrin and plasma fibronectin, is generated from these plasma proteins. Deposition of this matrix temporarily fills the wound bed and prevents excessive blood loss by acting as a haemostatic plug. By binding to distinct domains of plasma-derived fibronectin via α5β1, α4β1 and αvβ3 integrins, syndecan-4 and CD44, fibroblasts are able to migrate into the provisional matrix [69, 76]. These cells then produce more fibronectin to reinforce the granulation tissue scaffold for the deposition of collagen [77]. The consequential scar tissue is remodeled, and, in time, the collagen becomes cross-linked while never truly restoring the cellularity, vascularity and tensile strength of the original tissue. The rate-limiting step is the delicate balance of granulation tissue production: too little results in chronic non-healing wounds while too much results in slowly healed resolved wound or deposition of scar tissue, which is the marker of fibrotic disease. Thus, the immigration of fibroblasts into fibrin–fibronectin matrices is tightly regulated.

Tenascin-C plays a unique role in tissue repair and regeneration. This molecule is by and large restricted to sites of organogenesis, tissue repair/regeneration, and tumor invasion. During repair, tenascin-C is transiently expressed [55]. In unwounded and healed tissue, tenascin-C is largely absent. Tenascin-C presents as a dimer of homo-trimers, giving it the alternate name of hexabrachion (Table 1). Tenascin-C has multiple repeats of fibronectin-like domains and EGF-like repeats, with the former binding integrins and the latter serving to bind to matrix components and signal through the EGF receptor [78–80]. Thus, tenascin-C has both adhesive and anti-adhesive interactions. Interestingly, tenascin C presents cryptic ligands (or so-called matrikines), molecules that result in partial proteolysis of ECM macromolecules and regulate cellular activity, activate EGF receptors to promote fibroblast and endothelial cell migration, and maintain fibroblasts in a dedifferentiated, noncontractile state. To a certain extent, the cellular influx and thereby replacement of tissue appears to be under the influence of tenascin-C, thus influencing the functionality of the tissue directly as a major matrix component during repair and indirectly via the cellularity of the regenerative and resolving dermis. The net result is that tenascin-C acts as a chemokinetic agent that promotes cell distribution throughout the wound bed, affecting all the adherent cells. In addition, this complex molecule promotes survival of cells. During inflammation, upregulation of tenascin-C is chemokinetic and anti-apoptotic, leading to accumulation of excess cells and, secondarily, matrix components [81]. In addition, it may be possible that tenascin-C prevents the maturation and differentiation of stromal and epithelial cells, thus leading to further accumulation of a bioactive provisional matrix, in a feed-forward reaction. On the other hand, downregulation of tenascin-C production by stromal and epidermal cells, and clearance of deposited tenascin-C, both of which occur during the latter phase of healing, heralds the transition from hypercellular regenerative phase to a paucicellular resolving and mature phase. It is quite likely that loss of tenascin-C from the matrix allows, in part, the apoptotic removal of cells. Thus, persistence of tenascin-C may promote prolonged fibrosis. Additionally, downregulation or removal of tenascin-C expression and clearance from the wound would then allow contraction to proceed, indicating that tenascin-C exerts temporal control over cell behavior during wound healing [22, 23, 82].

Entactin (or nidogen) is a 141-kDa multidomain glycoprotein serves as a ubiquitous component of basement membranes. This molecule interacts both with other components of the ECM and cells. This molecule functions in a quasi-autocrine manner in that stromal cells are the source and target of entactin [83]. Due to entactin's strong affinity for laminin and collagen IV, it holds an important role in skin remodeling. Interestingly, entactin is highly susceptible to proteolytic cleavage with removal of entactin initiating basement membrane disintegration. Thus, it is suggested that entactin facilitates the fast remodeling of different matrices and could serve as an early target in tissue damage and control the scar formation outcome [84] (Table 1).

In contrast to the above structural and pro-inflammatory molecules, the unwounded or healed matrix contains numerous ‘suppressive’ molecules. Decorin is a small ECM chondroitin/dermatan sulfate proteoglycan that belongs to a growing family of structurally related but genetically and functionally distinct ECM proteoglycans (SLRPs). The SLRP gene family has been subdivided into three classes, I–III, with decorin and biglycan belonging to class I [85]. The structural features of decorin provide sites for multiple interactions, either as a dimer or a monomer, with other molecules present in the ECM. Decorin is the most abundant proteoglycan in normal dermis. It regulates the formation and degradation of collagen fibrils in a manner that in most situations promote fibrillogenesis [85, 86]. In its absence, the structure and organization of collagen fibrils turn into distorted whorls and nodules [86]. There is a close association between decorin and matrix synthesis and organization via TGF-β signaling. Decorin, which downregulates the activity of TGF-β, increases in concentration following tissue injury. However, in scarring, decorin is a component in the ECM that is significantly decreased thus allowing the profibrotic TGF-β to act. Interactions of decorin with other ECM proteins such as collagen types, fibronectin, thrombospondin, tenascin-C, and indicate that decorin is involved in ECM assembly. Decorin has been shown to be able to modulate ECM composition and turnover, with key roles in cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation [87]. The effect of decorin on these cellular processes is mediated not only by the ability of decorin to bind to other ECM molecules but also to its ability to bind to and to regulate the activity of a number of growth factors and chemokines (Table 1). Thus, decorin can be a key player in influencing repair and remodeling of damaged tissues and scar formation, normally limiting scarring both by ameliorating factors that induce fibrosis and fibroplasia and by organizing the ECM [88]. Its downregulation in immature matrix, and chronic inflammation thus opens the avenue for continued matrix production.

Extracellular matrix–chemokine interactions are fundamental to all phases of wound healing and are not limited to dermal maturation. Cell that are regulated by chemokines to synthesize ECM proteins must meet the production demands of the wound environment by exhibiting sustained activity needed to accomplish optimal healing. However, it seems that, when these demands are not met, healing is delayed, and healing events fail to proceed in the cell–matrix regulated manner. Chronic wounds result and they are often characterized by an excessive inflammatory character.

Molecular controls of wound resolution

The transition from the regenerative active phase to the resolved quiescent phase is critical. This is a poorly understood phenotypic change, with studies challenged by the diversity of cell and matrix types involved, the heterogeneity of the transition, and the wide time window of such a change, which occurs incrementally rather than continuously. A number of molecules have been suggested as triggering this maturation in one of the cell types. Angiopioetin-2 causes endothelial cell apoptosis and distintegration of vessels. Cell–cell adhesion molecules, E-cadherin and desmoplakins, have been implicated in epithelial and epidermal differentiation after the EMT of wound repair.

The ELR-negative CXC chemokines are particularly attractive master regulators that bind to the ubiquitous CXCR3 receptor [89]. This signaling network was first deciphered as a chemoattractant system for immune cells of hematopoietic origin [90]. Subsequently, this receptor was found on formed elements, and some of the ligands, notably CXCL10/IP-10 and CXCL11/IP-9, were discovered to be produced by such cells, allowing for para- and autocrine signaling during wound repair [91, 92]. While one member, CXCL4/PF4, is present at the earliest stage of wounding, being a major constituent of platelet alpha granules, CXCL10 and CXCL11 are produced late in the regenerative and into the resolving phases of wound repair [92, 93]. Our recent studies have found that, by triggering these receptors on fibroblasts and endothelial cells, their ligands affect vascular regression and endothelial and stromal cell apoptosis [92, 94, 95]. At the same time, via PKA-mediated inhibition of m-calpain activation, signaling through CXCR3B prevents immigration and locomotion of these same cells [92, 93, 95, 96] (Fig. 2). Interestingly, the same signaling network in keratinocytes leads to increased locomotion [91, 92]. Thus, this signaling axis actuates a comprehensive set of behaviors that would transition a wound from the regenerative phase to the final phase of wound resolution.

Fig. 2.

CXCR3 signaling axis during wound repair. CXCR3 receptor is a seven transmembrane G protein coupled receptor. This signaling system is extant in human and rodent with the receptor being ubiquitous but the ligands being regulated temporally and spatially. CXCR3 receptor is expressed on keratinocytes, fibroblast, and endothelial cells. CXCL10/IP-10 appears in the dermis and is produced by endothelial cells of the neovasculature and CXCL11/IP-9 is expressed from redifferentiating keratinocytes behind the leading edge of the wound. These secreted peptide factors, both CXC chemokines that lack the canonical N-terminal sequence ELR (glutamic acid-leucine-arginine), bind in common to the ubiquitous CXCR3 chemokine receptor. Signaling through CXCR3 blocks growth factor-induced motility of fibroblasts and endothelial cells by suppressing m-calpain activation. In contrast, these chemokines do not block the motility of dedifferentiated keratinocytes but rather increase their motility via lessened adhesiveness that shifts the cell into the most permissive adhesion/contractility state and thus promotes motility and in turn more rapid re-epithelialization. For endothelial cells, in which the β3 integrin predominates, CXCR3 activation of calpain1/μ-calpain leads to detachment and anoikis

It should be noted that this regenerative phase, in which the missing tissue is replaced by new matrix and cells, usually does not lead to true tissue regeneration in the adult skin; rather, it is a phase of the wound healing process in which tissue (ECM and cells) is generated de novo, though imperfectly. It is the nature and timing of this phase, impacted by inflammation and other external stressors, that dictate much of the outcome of the wound healing.

Recently, we reported a situation in which a wound bed continues to undergo the regenerative phase processes and even experiences an inflammatory recrudescence over an extended time period, leading to hypertrophic scarring. This happens in the absence of the stop signal, CXCR3. Full thickness wounds in mice lacking CXCR3 close, but over extended periods they continue to be active, resulting in hypertrophic and hypercellular wounds [93, 97]. The continued regenerative processes of these wounds undergo an inflammatory renaissance over an extended time period. This sterile inflammatory response serves to further the events of the active turning over of the immature wound bed [98].

These data further support the notion that regulation of cell involvement by recruitment, replication and matrix synthesis, and degradation, all which affect the outcome of injured tissue, are controlled by mediators from both inflammatory and resident cells. Which further raises the question, can this fibrotic environment be generated by a combination of a dysfunctional mechanical environment and inflammatory mediators?

Failure to transition to resolution

It is clear that inflammation can influence the wound repair process when the inflammation continues after the initial task of preventing conventional infection. This is particularly true when inflammation occurs late in the regenerative or the resolving phases. However, little is known about how inflammation reappears in a late phase sterile wound environment, what is the inciting stimulus, and what are the precise signals that can turn it off or resolve the inflammatory response. Additionally, inflammation seen in fibrotic wounds may exert a dominant effect, including collateral damage inflicted on otherwise healthy cells and tissue, which in turn causes continued remodeling and excessive scarring [99, 100].

Although scarring may be defined as an excessive deposition of matrix components that results in destruction of normal tissue architecture and a compromise in tissue function, it is also a failure to ‘stop’ healing or transition to a mature matrix [98]. The development of excessive scarring appears to initially follow a similar pathway to that of normal wound healing; however, in most cases, there is a chronic progression of the disease without resolution. Does this process develop at the onset of the initial insult or is it set into motion at some point along the way? It has been suggested that it generally develops after an initial insult which leads to cellular injury in which scarring is characterized as reparative. In contrast, fibrosis may develop as a result of excessive matrix deposition surrounding normal parenchyma, wherein excessive matrix deposition is not triggered by tissue injury but rather by a direct stimulation from local factors [98]. The increase in matrix surrounding the cellular compartment compromises function, which may further trigger the onset of the reparative form of scarring in a feed-forward loop. This suggests that there are stop signals that synchronize the termination of the regenerative phase. Therefore, excessive scarring appears to be determined by: (1) excessive synthesis of collagen and other ECM components; (2) dysfunction in the resolution and down regulation of the degradative enzymes involved in removing the scar tissue; and (3) loss or downregulation of key stop signals.

Final synthesis

Fibrosis that characterizes scarring likely results from the failure of the wound to properly transition from the regenerative phase to the resolving phase. Thus, the wound maintains a pro-stimulatory matrix with fibronectin and tenascin-C featured prominently and relatively devoid of the suppressive SLRPs. In conjunction with such an immature matrix, matrix proteases are elevated, which degrade the newly deposited collagen and generating chemotactic fragments that recruit inflammatory and stromal cells, that are activated by the matrikines and soluble factors in such a bio-active matrix to produce more matrix (Fig. 3). Further aggravating the scar is the rigidity of the ECM, which in itself leads to activation of macrophages and the transition of stromal cells to myofibroblasts, that, in turn, contract and stiffen the matrix. The increase in cellularity and matrix continues until the ensuing death of the excess cells limits the matrix turnover and thereby heralds the end stage of fibrosis which is characterized by a stiff, ‘sclerotic’ matrix.

Fig. 3.

Process flow representation of wound healing. Usually the process is unidirectional resulting in minimal scarring (Normal). However, in the Absence of ‘stop’ signals (e.g., deficit of CXCR3 signaling) the fibroplasia results in an immature matrix which in turns recruits more inflammatory cells that stimulate the stromal cells to produce more regenerative matrix. This results in a feed-forward loop in which the regenerative matrix is central to driving further scarring. This process slows down when the myofibroblasts contract the matrix, with the fibrosis leading to the death of the excess cells and leaving a fibrotic, sclerotic dermis

This scenario posits that fibrosis and scarring results from failure to stop rather than a specific continuing insult. The healing process normally gets both turned on and then turned off. In the absence of such off signals, there is an increase in cell proliferation, matrix and cell death resulting in a non-resolved, fibrotic wound. The signals also dictate the cells that generate mechanical tension and affect the stiffness of the matrix. Still, a number of issues are unclear. While there is a definite ethnic and individual predilection to scarring, wounds in such situations do resolve over time. Thus, the extent of genetic predisposition needs to be determined as to whether it impacts excessive scarring. In addition, the cause of the failure to heal in these situations is unknown, unlike the experimental situation of the CXCR3-abrogated mice. These are just a few of the key questions that need experimentation to define the triggering events for scarring. Such exposition would allow for rational therapies to prevent scarring.