Thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)/CC chemokine ligand (CCL) 17 accelerates wound healing by enhancing fibroblast migration

Background Some chemokines are known to accelerate wound healing. However, there has been no report on the relationship between Thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)/CC chemokine ligand (CCL) 17 and wound healing. The purpose of this study was to determine whether CCL17 enhances response to cutaneous injury. Methods We made a full-thickness dorsal wound in transgenic (Tg) mice, in which CCL17 was overexpressed and in control mice. Wound size was compared over the course of time. We evaluated the effect of CCL17 on fibroblast migration by a Boyden chamber assay and a scratch wound assay. Results Wound closure in Tg mice was more accelerated than in control mice. CCL17 enhanced nerve growth factor (NGF) production by 2B4, which is mouse T cell hybridoma. Further, in the wound area of Tg mice, the number of CCR4(+) fibroblasts, CCR4(+) lymphocytes and mast cells was increased compared to control mice, as was the number of NGF(+) lymphocytes around the wound area. In vitro assay, CCL17 was shown to enhance the migration of fibroblasts. Conclusion These results suggest that CCL17 accelerates wound healing, mainly by enhancing fibroblast migration, and possibly by increasing NGF(+) lymphocytes and mast cells, which have independently been reported to enhance wound healing.