Spatial and single-cell transcriptomics unravel the complex interplay between the body and medical implants
Nona Farbehi, Hamid Alinejad-Rokny, Tatyana Chtanova, Jelena Rnjak‐Kovacina
Abstract
Advancements in biomedical research have led to sophisticated medical implants that have significantly improved the quality of life for countless individuals. However, the host response to implants can be highly variable and can lead to adverse reactions that result in suboptimal performance or implant failure. The tissue response to injury is an intricate and dynamic process influenced by the interactions between immune and stromal cells. When this process is disrupted, it can result in harmful fibrosis and persistent chronic inflammation, leading to suboptimal device performance or failure. Recent progress in single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics technologies enables detailed analysis of the multifaceted cellular reaction to injury and to implants. This perspective highlights the potential applications of digital pathology in elucidating cellular interactions, tissue remodeling, and immune responses at the implant interface. It discusses challenges and opportunities in employing these innovative techniques to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying the body's reaction to implants.