Neutrophils and the repair of hard-to-heal wounds

• Over the past 20 years, research on neutrophils in hard-to-heal wound repair has grown exponentially, indicating a vibrant and rapidly evolving frontier field. • Excessive formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is a key mechanism driving persistent inflammation and impaired tissue repair in chronic wounds. • Research hotspots have shifted from descriptive phenomena to precise interventions, with novel therapeutic strategies aiming to actively remodel the wound microenvironment rather than passively cover it. • Future directions include precise regulation of neutrophil function, particularly targeting NETosis, to develop effective treatments for hard-to-heal wounds.