A Schwann cell chemotactic factor essential for nerve regeneration

Following peripheral injury injury, Schwann cell (SC) cords migrate to the wound site along a newly formed vasculature, which bridges the wound site in response to vascular endothelial growth factor, secreted by hypoxic macrophages. 

But, the directional signals by which SC cords navigate the long distances across the wound, in the absence of those that guide axons during development, remain unknown.

Now, the researchers have identified CCL3 as a Schwann cell chemotactic factor secreted by hypoxic macrophages that is essential for guiding axons during peripheral nerve regeneration.

Using genetic mouse models and CCL3 inhibitors, the authors demonstrate that CCL3 promotes collective SC migration and axonal regrowth in vivo and, that CCL3 is essential for effective nerve regeneration.

This work further highlights the multicellular complexity of nerve regeneration and that different mechanisms control axon guidance during development and following injury.

https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(25)00093-2

https://sciencemission.com/CCL3--a-Schwann-cell-chemotactic-factor--for-nerve-regeneration