Differential fate of acellular vascular scaffolds in vivo involves macrophages and T-cell subsets

The preparation of biological scaffolds/implants acts as a platform for tissue engineered organs. Biological scaffold prepared by physical or chemical agents cause damage to the extracellular matrix and induce immune responses after implantation/engraftment. During the study, using different tissue environments (subcutaneous vs omentum), acellular vascular scaffolds were prepared using syngeneic vs allogeneic model of scaffold implantation (in vivo decellularization) and compared with chemically decellularized scaffolds. Employing molecular, proteomics and histologic techniques, we confirmed that site-specific advantages exists in modulating the ECM as well as regulating the immune responses (macrophage and T cells) to produce an acellular scaffold without the need for immunosuppressants. The current approach opens up the possibility to create tailor-made scaffolds for further use in the clinics without eliciting adverse reactions and a potential for long term acceptability in the recipient. The scaffolds prepared thus would open up a further possibility to build functional organs following cell engraftment.