Objective: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members are critical regulators of tissue repair and depending on their distinct pattern of receptor specificity can also promote inflammation and scarring. This study utilized a receptor-selective VEGF to examine the role of VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2 in scar tissue (ST) formation. Approach: Cutaneous skin wounds were created in mice using a 4 mm biopsy punch and then treated until closure with purified VEGF-E derived from orf virus stain NZ-2. Tissue samples were harvested to measure gene expression using quantitative PCR and to observe ST formation through histological examination and changes in cell populations by immunofluorescence. Results: VEGFR-2-activation with VEGF-E increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 and reduced macrophage infiltration and myofibroblast differentiation in wounded skin compared with controls. VEGF-E treatment also increased microvascular density and improved pericyte coverage of blood vessels in the healing wounds. The ST that formed following treatment with VEGF-E was reduced in size and showed improved collagen structure. Innovation: The role of VEGFR-2 activation in wound epithelialization and angiogenesis is well established; but its contribution to ST formation is unclear. This study tests the effect of a selective VEGFR-2 activation on ST formation following cutaneous wounding in a murine model. Conclusion: VEGFR-2 stimulation can enhance the quality of skin repair, at least, in part, through the induction of IL-10 expression and dampening of wound inflammation and fibrosis. Therapies that selectively activate VEGFR-2 may therefore be beneficial to treat impaired healing or to prevent excess scarring.
Keywords: VEGF-E; VEGFR-2; orf virus; scar; skin; wound healing.