Molecular Characterization of Macrophage-Biomaterial Interactions

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2015:865:109-22. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-18603-0_7.

Abstract

Implantation of biomaterials in vascularized tissues elicits the sequential engagement of molecular and cellular elements that constitute the foreign body response. Initial events include the non-specific adsorption of proteins to the biomaterial surface that render it adhesive for cells such as neutrophils and macrophages. The latter undergo unique activation and in some cases undergo cell-cell fusion to form foreign body giant cells that contribute to implant damage and fibrotic encapsulation. In this review, we discuss the molecular events that contribute to macrophage activation and fusion with a focus on the role of the inflammasome, signaling pathways such as JAK/STAT and NF-κB, and the putative involvement of micro RNAs in the regulation of these processes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / adverse effects*
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects*
  • Fibroblasts / immunology
  • Fibroblasts / pathology
  • Fibrosis
  • Foreign-Body Reaction / etiology
  • Foreign-Body Reaction / immunology*
  • Foreign-Body Reaction / pathology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Giant Cells, Foreign-Body / drug effects*
  • Giant Cells, Foreign-Body / immunology
  • Giant Cells, Foreign-Body / pathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes / drug effects
  • Inflammasomes / immunology
  • Janus Kinases / genetics
  • Janus Kinases / immunology
  • Macrophage Activation / drug effects*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / immunology
  • NF-kappa B / genetics
  • NF-kappa B / immunology
  • Prostheses and Implants / adverse effects
  • Protein Binding / drug effects
  • STAT Transcription Factors / genetics
  • STAT Transcription Factors / immunology
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Inflammasomes
  • MicroRNAs
  • NF-kappa B
  • STAT Transcription Factors
  • Janus Kinases