Effects of a Bioengineered Allogeneic Cellularized Construct (BACC) on Primary Human Macrophage Phenotype

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Biology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Macrophages are critical regulators of wound healing and biomaterial interactions.
• The mechanisms by which bioengineered allogeneic cellularized constructs (BACC) promote healing are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how cells within BACC influence macrophage behavior.
• To compare the effects of BACC with its collagen substrate on macrophage phenotype and function.

Main Methods:

• Primary human macrophages were cultured in contact with BACC or collagen substrate.
• Macrophage phenotype was assessed using gene expression, protein secretion, flow cytometry, and functional assays.
• Effects on fibroblasts and endothelial cells were evaluated using conditioned media from macrophage-BACC co-cultures.

Main Results:

• BACC induced a predominantly reparative macrophage phenotype over time, distinct from collagen substrate controls.
• Macrophages exhibited subpopulations with both pro-inflammatory and reparative markers.
• Macrophage-BACC co-culture media distinctly affected fibroblast and endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and network formation.

Conclusions:

• BACC modulates macrophage phenotype towards a reparative state, contributing to pro-healing effects.
• Macrophage phenotype modulation is a potential key mechanism underlying BACC's therapeutic benefits in wound healing.