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Seeding and Implantation of a Biosynthetic Tissue-engineered Tracheal Graft in a Mouse Model
Published on: April 1, 2019
Decellularized tracheal matrix scaffold for tracheal tissue engineering: in vivo host response
Mengqing Zang1, Qixu Zhang, Edward I Chang
1Houston, Texas; and Beijing, People's Republic of China From the Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center; and Plastic Surgery Hospital, Peking Union Medical College.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|October 1, 2013
Summary
Tissue engineered trachea using decellularized matrix scaffolds showed reduced immune rejection in vivo. While epithelial cells successfully covered the scaffold, chondrocytes did not engraft, indicating a need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Previous in vitro studies showed promise for tissue-engineered tracheas using decellularized matrix scaffolds.
- This study evaluates the in vivo applicability of these engineered tracheal constructs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the in vivo performance of decellularized tracheal matrix scaffolds and bilaminated tracheal constructs.
- To evaluate the immunogenicity and tissue integration of engineered tracheal grafts.
Main Methods:
- Decellularized rat tracheas were used as scaffolds and seeded with specific cell types to create engineered constructs.
- Scaffolds and constructs were implanted subcutaneously in recipient rats and analyzed histologically for immune cell infiltration.
- Control groups included fresh native tracheas (allografts and isografts).
Main Results:
- Decellularized scaffolds significantly reduced immune cell infiltration (macrophages, CD8+, CD4+ cells) compared to native tracheal allografts.
- Engineered constructs achieved complete epithelial coverage and maintained lumen patency.
- Chondrocytes failed to repopulate the cartilaginous matrix when statically seeded on the scaffold.
Conclusions:
- Decellularized tracheal matrix scaffolds exhibit low immunogenicity in vivo, avoiding significant allograft rejection or foreign body reactions.
- The engineered construct successfully supported reepithelialization but failed in chondrocyte engraftment.
- Further investigation is needed to address chondrocyte engraftment challenges in heterotopic environments.
