Epidermal Keratinocyte Cells in Laboratory, Clinical Trials, and Market: A Narrative Review

Background and Aims

The skin serves essential protective and regulatory functions. In severe injuries such as burns, keratinocytes—being the main epidermal cells—play a pivotal role in skin regeneration through secretion of growth factors and cytokines. This review explores the biology of keratinocytes and their application in treating skin disorders and developing skin substitutes.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing studies on the therapeutic use of allogeneic and autologous keratinocytes in wound healing and skin regeneration. Research on cultured epidermal substitutes, including keratinocyte-based grafts and engineered skin constructs, was also reviewed.

Results

Findings indicate that autologous keratinocyte transplantation—such as auto-dermatoplasty using a patient's own skin—has been highly effective in treating extensive burns and postsurgical wounds. However, in cases where sufficient donor skin is unavailable, alternative approaches such as keratinocyte culture combined with collagen gel and fibroblasts have shown promising results. Clinical studies demonstrate that epidermal keratinocyte-based therapies significantly reduce scarring, enhance wound healing, and improve survival rates in patients with severe burns.

Conclusion

Given their high proliferation capacity, accessibility, and ability to differentiate into epidermal layers, keratinocytes represent a valuable tool for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Future advancements in keratinocyte-based therapies and bioengineered skin substitutes hold significant potential for improving outcomes in patients with critical skin injuries.