Extensive CD34-to-CD90 Fibroblast Transition Defines Regions of Cutaneous Reparative, Hypertrophic, and Keloidal Scarring.

Background: CD90 fibroblasts have been described arising from and replacing the homeostatic CD34 network in scleroderma, but have not been specifically examined in other forms of cutaneous fibrosis.

Objectives: To address expression, timelines, and spatial relationships of CD90, CD34, and smooth muscle actin (SMA) expressing fibroblasts in scars and to examine for the presence of a CD34-to-CD90 transition.

Methods: One hundred and seventeen scars (reparative/hypertrophic/keloidal) were evaluated for CD90, CD34, and SMA expression.