Abstract
As the most dominant cell type in the skin, keratinocytes play critical roles in wound repair not only as structural cells but also exerting important immune functions. This review focuses on the communications between keratinocytes and immune cells in wound healing, which are mediated by various cytokines, chemokines, and extracellular vesicles. Keratinocytes can also directly interact with T cells via antigen presentation. Moreover, keratinocytes produce antimicrobial peptides that can directly kill the invading pathogens and contribute to wound repair in many aspects. We also reviewed the epigenetic mechanisms known to regulate keratinocyte immune functions, including histone modifications, non-protein-coding RNAs (e.g., microRNAs, and long noncoding RNAs), and chromatin dynamics. Lastly, we summarized the current evidence on the dysregulated immune functions of keratinocytes in chronic nonhealing wounds. Based on their crucial immune functions in skin wound healing, we propose that keratinocytes significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic wound inflammation. We hope this review will trigger an interest in investigating the immune roles of keratinocytes in chronic wound pathology, which may open up new avenues for developing innovative wound treatments.
Highlights
As the outermost barrier of our body, the skin is subjected to daily assaults from the external environment
Keratinocyte-derived cytokines, chemokines, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and extracellular vesicles mediate the extensive interactions between keratinocytes and hematopoietic immune cells, and such crosstalk plays an essential role in driving wound healing [7]
We focus on keratinocytes’ immune functions, which have been less studied than their structural role in skin wound healing
Summary
As the outermost barrier of our body, the skin is subjected to daily assaults from the external environment. As the most dominant cell type constituting the epidermis, keratinocytes play multiple roles essential for skin repair. They are the executors of the re-epithelialization process, whereby keratinocytes migrate, proliferate, and differentiate to restore the epidermal barrier. Transitions of these different cellular states of keratinocytes are modulated by various wound microenvironmental cues, including growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which have been extensively reviewed previously [2]. Keratinocyte-derived cytokines, chemokines, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and extracellular vesicles mediate the extensive interactions between keratinocytes and hematopoietic immune cells, and such crosstalk plays an essential role in driving wound healing [7]. We focus on keratinocytes’ immune functions, which have been less studied than their structural role in skin wound healing
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
