DcR3 reprograms macrophage plasticity to promote wound healing and hair regeneration

The study explores the impact of Decoy Receptor 3 (DcR3) on macrophage polarization, highlighting its potential in promoting wound healing and hair regeneration. DcR3 facilitates the shift of macrophages from a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to a reparative M2 phenotype, essential for tissue repair. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, including those with transgenic mice, the research shows that DcR3 accelerates wound closure and enhances hair regrowth by modifying the wound microenvironment. This process involves decreasing M1-like macrophages, increasing M2-like macrophages, and enriching transitional macrophage populations. The results indicate that DcR3 could be a valuable target for developing therapies for chronic wound management and alopecia treatment.