After 100 years of theories, scientists find healing cells that could transform chronic wound treatment

First, in Australia, a new cell type in cellular biology has just been identified by researchers—the EndoMac progenitors, found in the aorta of adult mice. This discovery greatly enhances our knowledge about recovery mechanisms in mammals and, by all appearances, will affect chronic wound treatment and the treatment tactics of chronic diseases like diabetes.

How did scientists identify these elusive cells?

For nearly a hundred years, scientists have long speculated about its existence. However, during the nine-year research project, these cells were identified under the leadership of South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, or SAHMRI.

According to Dr. Sanuri Liyange, SAHMRI and University of Adelaide researcher, “The EndoMac progenitor cells possess the unique ability to transform into two specific types of cells: endothelial cells that form blood vessels and macrophages that are immune cells responsible for tissue repair and defense,”

What triggers their healing powers?

These progenitor cells are activated, either by injury or by inadequate blood flow, and proliferate rapidly to contribute to healing processes. Studies were published in Nature Communications, where future research potentially holds the promise to catalyze healing significantly better in diabetic patients, who characterize chronic wounds.

What makes these cells particularly promising is that they don’t express typical “self” markers, suggesting they could be ideal candidates for stem cell transplantation. This feature minimizes the risk of rejection by the recipient’s immune system. In tests, conducted on diabetic mouse models, researchers found that the EndoMac progenitors implanted into these mice led to remarkable healing in wounds that normally resisted recovery.

“When we transplanted these progenitors into diabetic wounds, we saw a dramatic improvement in healing within days,” Dr. Liyange noted. If proven through further research, EndoMac progenitors may be the holy grail for chronic wound patients, making advances in medical science once and for all.

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