Immune Response to Biologic Scaffold Materials

Immune Response to Biologic Scaffold MaterialsCorresponding author: Stephen F. Badylak, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 100 Technology Drive, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, P: (412) 235-5144, F: (412) 235-5110, Email: badylaks@upmc.edu



Stephen F. Badylak and Thomas W. Gilbert


McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA



Summary
In summary, allogeneic and xenogeneic biologic scaffolds composed of extracellular matrix are commonly used in numerous tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, and in many reconstructive surgical procedures. The effect of such scaffolds upon the host immune response has been largely unexplored. In addition, the association between the host immune response and tissue remodeling events is a factor that logically plays an important, if not determinative, role in the successful clinical application of these devices. There are many variables in the manufacturing of matrix derived scaffolds and all of these variables can affect the host immune response. An improved understanding of the immune response to biologic scaffold materials can only lead to greater safety and efficiency of devices and applications that utilize such materials.
Read Full abstract here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2605275/