THE CONTROL OF EPIDERMAL STEM CELLS (HOLOCLONES) IN THE TREATMENT OF MASSIVE FULL-THICKNESS BURNS WITH AUTOLOGOUS KERATINOCYTES CULTURED ON FIBRIN1

Abstract

Our data demonstrate that: (i) cultured autografts bearing stem cells can indeed rapidly and permanently cover a large body surface; and (ii) fibrin is a suitable substrate for keratinocyte cultivation and transplantation. These data lend strength to the concept that the success of cell therapy at a clinical level requires cultivation and transplantation of stem cells. We therefore suggest that the proposal of a culture system aimed at the replacement of any severely damaged self-renewing tissue should be preceded by a careful evaluation of its stem cell population.