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Macrophage phenotype in response to ECM bioscaffolds
Luai Huleihel1, Jenna L Dziki2, Joseph G Bartolacci3
1McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Seminars in Immunology
|July 25, 2017
Summary
Extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffolds induce a unique anti-inflammatory macrophage phenotype (MECM), distinct from classical or alternative activation states. Macrophage source and marker choice impact observed responses to ECM materials.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Macrophage phenotype critically influences tissue healing post-injury.
- Extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffolds can modulate macrophage polarization, often downregulating pro-inflammatory states.
- Current macrophage phenotyping relies on limited markers, potentially oversimplifying complex cellular responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the macrophage phenotype induced by degradation products of urinary bladder matrix (UBM-ECM) and small intestinal submucosa (SIS-ECM) bioscaffolds.
- To compare the responses of primary murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) and human THP-1 cells to ECM stimuli.
- To investigate the distinctiveness of the ECM-induced macrophage phenotype (MECM) compared to classical (IFNγ+LPS) and alternative (IL-4) activation.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of BMDM and THP-1 cells to UBM-ECM and SIS-ECM degradation products.
- Quantification of cellular responses including gene expression, protein expression, cell surface marker analysis, and functional assays.
- Comparative analysis of MECM phenotype against IFNγ+LPS and IL-4 activated macrophages.
Main Results:
- ECM exposure elicited a distinct MECM phenotype, differing from classical and alternative activation states.
- BMDM and THP-1 cells exhibited differential responses to the same ECM stimuli.
- UBM-ECM and SIS-ECM induced similar but not identical MECM profiles.
Conclusions:
- An anti-inflammatory MECM phenotype is characterized, offering insights into ECM-biomaterial interactions.
- The source of macrophages (e.g., BMDM vs. THP-1) significantly impacts their response to ECM.
- Relying on limited cell markers for macrophage phenotyping can be insufficient and potentially misleading.
