Adipose-derived Stem Cell (ADSC)-derived Exosomes And Collagen Constitute An Efficient Combination Therapy For Trauma Wound Healing
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: PURPOSE: Chronic and impaired wound healing remains a clinical challenge with significant burden on patients and their caretaker, with limited progress despite decades of innovation in dressings and biologics. Collagen supports structural repair, while ADSC exosomes carry proteins, DNA and RNA molecules that regulate inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue repair. Although these agents have been separately evaluated, a combination approach has not been tested. In this study we evaluated ADSC exosomes, collagen, and their combination in our novel full thickness human skin perfusion trauma model by analyzing histology, immune profiling, and RNA sequencing to identify molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. METHODS: ADSC exosomes were isolated and characterized, then applied to standardized 0.8 mm full-thickness wounds in human skin. Treatment groups included collagen, exosomes, collagen plus exosomes, and untreated controls. Wound repair was assessed via histology, immunohistochemistry (Ki67, Vimentin, CD68/CD163), and next-generation RNA sequencing to identify transcriptional pathways driving regeneration, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. RESULTS: Collagen treatment preserved dermal and epidermal architecture, and significantly enhanced proliferation. Exosomes promoted robust epidermal regeneration, fibroblast activation, and macrophage infiltration. Combination therapy produced the strongest effect: highly organized epidermal layers, the highest cellular density, and superior immune cell recruitment. Macrophage profiling indicated an M1-skewed inflammatory and remodeling state. RNA sequencing confirmed activation of reparative and angiogenic genes (FOXF1, APLNR, MEG9) and proliferation/migration regulators (SOX2) compared to control. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first mechanistic demonstration in human skin that collagen and ADSC exosomes act synergistically to accelerate enhance wound healing. This first-of-its-kind platform bridges the translational gap, showcasing that collagen drives structural repair while exosomes amplify cellular and immune activation, together activating regenerative molecular pathways. These findings highlight exosome-collagen therapy as a powerful and translational strategy to accelerate wound healing.© 2026. Plastic Surgery Research Council | All rights reserved |*Source: https://ps-rc.org/meeting/Program/2026/115.cgi*
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Language: English
Topic: Wound Healing and Treatments
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7160602562