Synergizing adaptive immunity and regenerative signals to enhance osteochondral defects repair.

ABSTRACT: In clinical practice, repairing osteochondral defects (OCDs) is challenging because of the complex cartilage/subchondral bone structure and intricate immunological microenvironment. Here, we identify the crucial role of adaptive immunity dysfunction by revealing that an increase of T helper 17 (Th17) cells exacerbated osteochondral tissue degradation via its pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the early-stage OCDs. Next, we leveraged this adaptive immunity mechanism and combined it with regenerative signals to develop a multifunctional hydrogel system capable of simultaneously tackling immune dysfunction and regenerative deficiency. Rapid IL-4 release from the methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HAMA) hydrogel exerts a potent immunomodulatory effect by inhibiting the differentia

SUBMITTER: Lin C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11889383 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature