Macrophage-based delivery of interleukin-13 improves functional and histopathological outcomes following spinal cord injury.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) elicits a robust neuroinflammatory reaction which, in turn, exacerbates the initial mechanical damage. Pivotal players orchestrating this response are macrophages (Mφs) and microglia. After SCI, the inflammatory environment is dominated by pro-inflammatory Mφs/microglia, which contribute to secondary cell death and prevent regeneration. Therefore, reprogramming Mφ/microglia towards a more anti-inflammatory and potentially neuroprotective phenotype has gained substantial therapeutic interest in recent years. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a potent inducer of such an anti-inflammatory phenotype. In this study, we used genetically modified Mφs as carriers to continuously secrete IL-13 (IL-13 Mφs) at the lesion site.

Methods

Mφs were genetically mo

SUBMITTER: Van Broeckhoven J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9052547 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature