Use of sdf-1 to mitigate scar formation

Abstract

The subject matter provided herein relates to method for inhibiting or mitigating scar formation in a wound of the skin, by increasing the concentration of SDF-1 in, or proximate to, the wound. As described herein SDF-1 protein or an SDF-1 expression vector can be administered to a wound or the area proximate a wound by providing a therapeutically effective amount of SDF-1 protein or an SDF-1 expression vector.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for inhibiting and/or mitigating formation of scar tissue in a wound of the skin, comprising increasing the concentration of SDF-1 in, or proximate to, the wound by administering to said wound and/or an area proximate the wound a therapeutically effective amount of an SDF-1 expression vector. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said wound of the skin is an acute wound selected from a thermal burn, a chemical burn, a radiation burn, a burn caused by excess exposure to ultraviolet radiation, an injury sustained during a medical procedure, an incision, a trauma-induced injury, a cut or a laceration. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the wound of the skin is a chronic wound selected from a pressure sore, a bedsore, a wound related to diabetes or poor circulation, or a wound resulting from dermatitis or acne. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , comprising administering an SDF-1 expression vector to said wound and/or an area proximate the wound. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein said SDF-1 expression vector is a viral vector. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein said SDF-1 expression vector is a non-viral vector. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said non-viral vector is a DNA plasmid. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said SDF-1 expression vector is administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition that comprises an SDF-1 expression vector and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said pharmaceutical composition is an injectable formulation. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein said injectable formulation is administered by injection directly into the wound or into an area proximate the wound. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said SDF-1 expression vector is administered in the form of a topical formulation. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said SDF-1 expression vector is administered in or on a substrate, solid support or wound dressing. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein said SDF-1 expression vector is administered in or on a substrate, and the substrate is in the form of a bioresorbable implant. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said SDF-1 expression vector is administered in or on a wound dressing. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said SDF-1 expression vector is administered to the external surface of the wound. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said SDF-1 expression vector is administered as part of a surgical procedure. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said SDF-1 expression vector is administered within 24 hours of the wound occurring. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said SDF-1 expression vector is administered more than 24 hours after the wound occurred.