Alerting the Body to Tissue Injury: The Role of Alarmins and DAMPs in Cutaneous Wound Healing

Purpose of Review Tissue injury stimulates an inflammatory response that is mediated in part by alarmins. Alarmins are a group of endogenous molecules that trigger inflammation in response to damage. This class of molecules is becoming increasingly recognized for its ability to influence wound healing. This article will provide an overview of alarmins and outline the latest findings on these mediators in cutaneous wound healing. Recent Findings In addition to stimulating inflammatory cells, recent evidence suggests that alarmins can act on other cells in the skin to affect wound closure and the extent of scar tissue production. This review will focus on high-mobility group box-1 and IL-33, two alarmins that have received recent attention in the wound healing field. Summary Because a properly regulated inflammatory response is critical for optimal healing, further research must be done to fully understand the role of alarmins in the wound repair process.