Applications of human amniotic fluid stem cells in wound healing

Complete wound regeneration preserves skin structure and physiological functions, including sensation and perception of stimuli, whereas incomplete wound regeneration results in fibrosis and scarring. Amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) would be a kind of cell population with self-renewing and non-immunogenic ability that have a considerable role in wound generation. They are easy to harvest, culture, and store; moreover, they are non-tumorigenic and not subject to ethical restrictions. They can differentiate into different kinds of cells that replenish the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and accessory organs. Additionally, AFSCs independently produce paracrine effectors and secrete them in exosomes, thereby modulating local immune cell activity. They demonstrate anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, regulate the physicochemical microenvironment of the wound, and promote full wound regeneration. Thus, AFSCs are potential resources in stem cell therapy, especially in scar-free wound healing. This review describes the biological characteristics and clinical applications of AFSCs in treating wounds and provide new ideas for the treatment of wound healing.