Chemokine receptor 7-bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells combined with porcine small intestinal submucosa promote skin repair in rats

• Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of CCR7 in BMSCs was successfully achieved, with significantly upregulated CCR7 protein and mRNA levels. • CCR7-BMSCs exhibited excellent cytocompatibility when co-cultured with porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) membrane. • The CCR7-BMSCs-SIS composite significantly accelerated wound closure in a rat skin defect model compared to SIS alone. • The composite enhanced angiogenesis, as evidenced by increased expression of VEGF, CD31, and PCNA in wound tissue.