Scar-free healing: Worm protein could revolutionize wound treatment

Scientists have made an intriguing discovery that could lead to scar-free healing. A protein derived from the Heligmosomoides polygyrus, a species of intestinal parasitic roundworm, has been shown to speed up wound healing and reduce scarring in mice.

This finding opens new avenues for treating injuries without the usual side effects of scarring. The human skin is quite skilled at healing minor cuts and scrapes.

However, deeper injuries that affect the dermis often result in scar tissue. While scars help close wounds quickly, they can also lead to permanent changes in appearance and may restrict movement in nearby muscles and joints.

For years, researchers have sought safe ways to enhance our natural healing processes without resulting in scars.

Insights from parasitic worms

A team of researchers from Rutgers University and the University of Glasgow has focused their studies on the roundworm, which naturally infests the intestines of rodents. These worms have already proven valuable in understanding human worm infections.

To survive in their hosts, these intestinal parasites produce proteins that interact with the host’s immune system, aiming to suppress certain immune responses. In recent years, scientists have identified a specific protein from H. polygyrus called TGF-beta mimic (TGM).

Early research suggests that this protein can enhance the skin’s healing process while inhibiting the immune activities that contribute to scar formation, such as inflammation.

To investigate further, the researchers applied daily doses of TGM to the injured skin of laboratory mice.

Promising results

The results were promising. Wounds treated with TGM healed more quickly and showed significantly less scarring than untreated wounds.

By day 12 of the study, the skin of the treated mice appeared nearly restored to its original condition, including the regeneration of hair follicles within the dermis.

“In this study, we have developed a novel therapy for the treatment of skin wounds that favors regenerative wound healing over tissue fibrosis and scarring,” said senior researcher William Gause, who directs the Center for Immunity and Inflammation at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

“It provides a significant framework for the potential use of an easy-to-produce parasite protein as a therapy to promote cutaneous wound healing.”

Future directions in healing technology

While these findings are groundbreaking, it’s important to note that the research is still in its early stages. More successful results, particularly in human trials, are needed before we can expect to see worm-based treatments available in pharmacies.

However, this research adds to a growing body of work exploring innovative treatments to improve healing from severe skin wounds.

Scientists are actively investigating various methods to enhance wound healing, from 3D-printed skin grafts to dressings infused with beneficial bacteria designed to outcompete harmful pathogens.

As research progresses, there is hope that these new strategies will provide patients with better options for recovery, reducing the physical and emotional toll of scarring.

This study’s findings were published in the journal Life Science Alliance .