Developing a pro-regenerative biomaterial scaffold microenvironment requires T helper 2 cells

Science. 2016 Apr 15;352(6283):366-70. doi: 10.1126/science.aad9272.

Abstract

Immune-mediated tissue regeneration driven by a biomaterial scaffold is emerging as an innovative regenerative strategy to repair damaged tissues. We investigated how biomaterial scaffolds shape the immune microenvironment in traumatic muscle wounds to improve tissue regeneration. The scaffolds induced a pro-regenerative response, characterized by an mTOR/Rictor-dependent T helper 2 pathway that guides interleukin-4-dependent macrophage polarization, which is critical for functional muscle recovery. Manipulating the adaptive immune system using biomaterials engineering may support the development of therapies that promote both systemic and local pro-regenerative immune responses, ultimately stimulating tissue repair.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials*
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Homeostasis / immunology
  • Interleukin-4 / genetics
  • Interleukin-4 / immunology
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Muscle, Skeletal / injuries*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Rapamycin-Insensitive Companion of mTOR Protein
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Tissue Engineering
  • Tissue Scaffolds*
  • Wound Healing / immunology*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Rapamycin-Insensitive Companion of mTOR Protein
  • rictor protein, mouse
  • Interleukin-4
  • mTOR protein, mouse
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases