The Temporal Effects of Anti-TGF-β1, 2, and 3 Monoclonal Antibody on Wound Healing and Hypertrophic Scar Formation

Treated wounds from the early treatment group displayed delayed wound healing, with no reduction in scar hypertrophy. Later treatment of wounds with the same antibody, beginning 7 days after wounding, resulted in a reduction in scar hypertrophy. These results support our hypothesis and clearly demonstrate that TGF-β1, 2, and 3 have differential temporal effects during the wound-healing process, and are important for optimal wound healing in the first week after wounding; beyond 1 week, TGF-β1, 2, and 3 play a critical role in hypertrophic scar formation.