Autologous dermal fibroblasts (ADF)

Autologous dermal fibroblasts are a patient's own connective tissue cells harvested from a skin biopsy, expanded in a laboratory setting, and then re-introduced into the patient's skin. These cells are primarily responsible for the synthesis of extracellular matrix components, such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which provide structural integrity and elasticity to the dermis (NIH, 2023) [1]. In therapeutic applications, they are used to treat aesthetic concerns like nasolabial folds and acne scars, as well as medical conditions like chronic wounds or recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (FDA, 2011) [2]. Unlike traditional pharmacological agents that target specific receptors, autologous dermal fibroblasts function as a dynamic cell therapy that integrates into the tissue to provide long-term structural repair (PubMed, 2011) [3]. The most well-known commercial product using this technology is Azficel-T (Laviv), which was the first cell-based aesthetic therapy approved by the FDA (StatPearls, 2023) [4]. The process involves a multi-week expansion phase where the cells are cultured to reach therapeutic concentrations before being injected back into the dermis. Once injected, these fibroblasts interact with the local microenvironment to stimulate tissue regeneration and counteract the effects of aging or injury.

Other names

Autologous human dermal fibroblastsAzficel-TSelf-derived skin fibroblastsFibrocell

Autologous dermal fibroblasts act by increasing the population of collagen-producing cells at the site of injection, leading to the synthesis of new Type I collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins that improve skin thickness and elasticity (FDA, 2011) [2].