Unlocking the therapeutic potential of sphingolipids in wound healing: from molecular mechanisms to clinical applications

As bioactive lipids, sphingolipids play an important role in skin structure and repair processes through their dual function as a structural component of the epidermis and an active mediator of cell signaling pathways. This duality makes them important players in the resolution of various wound types, including acute and chronic wounds. In this review, we highlight the multifaceted role of multiple sphingolipids in regulating key biological processes such as inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Advances in sphingolipids’ biosynthesis and metabolism have revealed their role in maintaining skin barrier integrity, modulating immune responses, and promoting effective wound healing. In addition, we discuss novel clinical applications of sphingolipids, including ceramide-rich dressings and sphingosine-1-phosphate-based hydrogel formulations, which enhance hydration, reduce infection risk, and accelerate re-epithelialization. As a series of studies continue to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and clinical applications, sphingolipids hold the promise of revolutionizing wound management and providing customized interventions for complex and chronic wounds.