Distinct macrophage populations and phenotypes associated with IL-4 mediated immunomodulation at the host implant interface
Daniel Hachim, Samuel T. LoPresti, Rahul D. Rege, Yuta U. Umeda, Aimon Iftikhar, Alexis L. Nolfi, Clint D. Skillen, Bryan N. Brown
Abstract
macrophage populations which were either fewer in number or located more distant from the implant surface. Gene expression assays showed increased proteolytic activity and diminished matrix deposition as possible mechanisms explaining the decreased fibrotic capsule deposition and improved peri-implant tissue quality shown in previous studies using IL-4 eluting coatings. The pattern of M2-like gene expression promoted by IL-4 was correlated with glycosaminoglycan production within the site of implantation at early stages of the host response, suggesting a significant role in this response. These findings demonstrate that immunomodulatory strategies can be utilized to design and implement targeted delivery for improving biomaterial performance.