Transcription Factor c-Maf Drives Macrophages to Promote Hypertrophic Scar Formation

The study investigates the role of c-Maf positive M2 macrophages in promoting hypertrophic scar (HS) formation. It was found that these macrophages, when overexpressed, enhance the proliferation and migration of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HFBs) and normal skin fibroblasts (NFBs). This is accompanied by increased expression of collagen types 1 and 3 (COL1, COL3) and α-SMA in HFBs, as well as elevated levels of TGF-β1 in the macrophages. The findings suggest that c-Maf positive macrophages contribute to HS formation by regulating fibroblast activity and extracellular matrix deposition through TGF-β1 secretion.