Research Information System
X. INTERNATİONAL SCİENCE AND ACADEMİC CONGRESS (INSAC-2025). International Research Congress on Health and Life Sciences (INSAC-IRHES 2025), Çanakkale, Turkey, 9 - 11 October 2025, pp.6-7, (Summary Text)
The use of Lucilia sericata larvae, commonly referred to as medicinal maggots, has garnered increasing attention in wound care due to their multifaceted therapeutic properties. Beyond their wellestablished debridement capabilities, recent studies have highlighted their immunomodulatory effects, which play a crucial role in enhancing wound healing. These larvae secrete a complex mixture of bioactive compounds, including proteolytic enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, and growth-promoting factors that influence the local immune response. One of the key mechanisms involves modulating inflammatory cytokines. Research indicates that larval secretions can downregulate pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), while upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-10 (IL-10), thereby promoting a balanced immune environment conducive to tissue regeneration. Additionally, L. sericata excretions have been shown to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and angiogenesis, both essential for granulation tissue formation and epithelialization. Moreover, the antimicrobial properties of larval secretions contribute to reduced bacterial load in chronic wounds, indirectly supporting immune function by alleviating persistent infection—a major barrier to healing. Studies also suggest that these secretions can inhibit biofilm formation by pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, further enhancing the wound microenvironment. Importantly, the immunomodulatory effects of L. sericata are not limited to local wound sites. Emerging evidence points to systemic immune benefits, including improved leukocyte function and enhanced oxidative stress response, although these findings require further validation through clinical trials. In conclusion, Lucilia sericata larvae offer a promising biotherapeutic approach in wound management, not only through mechanical debridement but also via immunological modulation. Their ability to regulate inflammatory pathways, promote tissue regeneration, and combat infection positions them as a valuable tool in treating chronic and non-healing wounds. Future research should aim to isolate and characterize the specific bioactive molecules responsible for these effects, paving the way for novel pharmacological applications in regenerative medicine.