Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

In Vitro Model of Human Cutaneous Hypertrophic Scarring using Macromolecular Crowding
Published on: May 1, 2020
Inflammatory-cell subpopulations in keloid scars
D E Boyce1, J Ciampolini, F Ruge
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Diana, Princess of Wales Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of lymphocytes and macrophages to keloid scarring by morphologically characterising inflammatory cell subpopulations in keloid scars in comparison with normal skin. We took 3mm punch biopsies from the anterior forearms of eight normal healthy volunteers. Eight keloid scars were excised using an intralesional technique. All tissue was snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and serial sections were stained with a panel of anti-inflammatory cell monoclonal antibodies. The numbers of macrophages and lymphocytes and the proportions of the subpopulations were compared. Higher numbers of both macrophages and lymphocytes were found in keloid dermis (P=0.01 and P=0.02, respectively (Mann-Whitney U -test)). There was no significant increase in the expression of the lymphocyte-activation markers, CD25 and CD27. However, there was a significantly higher CD4(+):CD8(+)(Th:Ts) ratio (P= 0.046) in keloid tissue. This suggests that an imbalance in these inflammatory cell subpopulations may contribute to keloid scarring in man.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammation
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Acute Inflammation II: Cellular Phase
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction

