# Recent advances in animal models for pathological scar research: A comprehensive review of experimental approaches and translational relevance

## TL;DR

This paper reviews recent animal models used to study abnormal scarring, highlighting their role in advancing treatments.

## Contribution

The paper provides a systematic review of animal models for pathological scars from 2020–2025, emphasizing their translational relevance.

## Key findings

- Murine, rabbit, and porcine models provide insights into scar formation and treatment.
- Animal models help bridge mechanistic understanding with clinical translation.
- Integration with in vitro and ex vivo systems is crucial for developing personalized therapies.

## Abstract

Pathological scarring, manifested in the form of hypertrophic scars (HTS) and keloid scars (KS), represents a major clinical challenge due to its aesthetic and functional implications for patients. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in these types of scars and developing effective treatments requires the use of controlled experimental models, especially animals, to overcome the limitations of clinical studies. The aim of this sistematic review is to critically analyze the animal models used in the last five years (2020–2025) for the study of pathological scars, highlighting their advantages, limitations and applicability in the development of new therapeutic strategies. Murine, rabbit and porcine models, as well as alternative models, offer varied perspectives on the formation and treatment of HTS and KS, with an emphasis on histological and molecular correlations with human pathology. By synthesizing recent data, the paper highlights the essential role of preclinical research in optimizing antifibrotic treatments and in advancing the translation of data into the clinical sphere. Overall, animal models remain essential for bridging mechanistic insights with clinical translation, supporting the development of more effective and personalized anti‐scar therapies.

Animal models remain indispensable in the study of pathological scars, each offering unique advantages and constraints. Their integration with in vitro and ex vivo systems is key to developing personalized, clinically translatable antifibrotic therapies.