autologous volar fibroblasts

Autologous volar fibroblasts are an investigational autologous cell therapy consisting of a patient's own fibroblasts harvested from volar skin sites, such as the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. These specialized fibroblasts are unique because they maintain a site-specific 'positional memory' governed by distinct Homeobox (HOX) gene expression patterns, which persists even after expansion in vitro. When transplanted or injected into non-volar body sites, these cells signal the overlying epidermis to undergo a transition toward a volar phenotype, characterized by a thickened stratum corneum and the absence of hair follicles. This therapeutic approach is primarily being evaluated in the context of reconstructive surgery to improve the durability and functional integration of skin grafts or to treat conditions where the restoration of specialized skin properties is required. The therapy aims to leverage the cells' inherent biological signaling to modify the local tissue environment and improve clinical outcomes for patients with significant scarring or skin loss.

Other names

Volar fibroblastsAutologous palmoplantar fibroblasts