Modulating the Inflammatory Response for In Situ Tissue Engineering – The Role of MCP-1

Abstract Inflammation is not merely a detrimental response to biomaterials. It can be considered as a natural agent of tissue remodeling, which is pivotal for the approach of in situ cardiovascular tissue engineering. Recently, a biodegradable synthetic scaffold was shown to remodel into a fully functional healthy blood vessel via an inflammation-mediated response. In fact, it was shown that initial infiltration of immune cells (i.e. monocytes) is indispensible for long-term remodeling of scaffolds and functionality of neo-tissues. This remodeling process is orchestrated by potent signaling molecules, of which monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) was identified as a key player. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. We hypothesize that MCP-1 initiates a desired wound healing cascade by recruiting favorable monocyte and macrophage (M2 type) subpopulations in the implanted scaffold. To investigate the interactions between circulating cells and scaffolds, we have developed and validated a meso-fluid...