Regulation of extracellular matrix assembly and structure by hybrid M1/M2 macrophages.

ABSTRACT: Aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly surrounding implanted biomaterials is the hallmark of the foreign body response, in which implants become encapsulated in thick fibrous tissue that prevents their proper function. While macrophages are known regulators of fibroblast behavior, how their phenotype influences ECM assembly and the progression of the foreign body response is poorly understood. In this study, we used in vitro models with physiologically relevant macrophage phenotypes, as well as controlled release of macrophage-modulating cytokines from gelatin hydrogels implanted subcutaneously in vivo to investigate the role of macrophages in ECM assembly. Primary human macrophages were polarized to four distinct phenotypes, which have each been associated with fibrosis, including p

SUBMITTER: Witherel CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7870567 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature