There are several criteria by which the success or failure of implantable materials can be measured; but, without question, the manner in which the host responds to the implanted material will be a critical determinant of outcome. Largely, the interaction of immune cells with implanted materials has been considered a precursor to the foreign body reaction with associated negative impacts upon functionality. Recently, the role of the innate immune system, particularly that of macrophages, in the host response to biomaterials has received renewed attention. It has now been shown that macrophages, depending upon highly plastic and context- dependent polarization profiles (i.e. M1 pro-inflammatory vs. M2 anti-inflammatory/regulatory), are also capable of affecting positive outcomes following biomaterial implantation. This emerging understanding of the essential constructive and regulatory roles of macrophages in positive outcomes represents a significant departure from the classical paradigms of host biomaterial interactions. It now appears desirable that emerging biomaterials-based approaches to tissue reconstruction should not only accommodate but also promote involvement of the immune system to facilitate positive outcomes. However, such approaches cannot be developed without a detailed understanding of both the contributions of individual macrophage subtypes to tissue remodeling and integration and the context in which host encounters the implant. The present proposal seeks to develop a comprehensive and integrated approach to broadening the current understanding of how macrophages, their functional subsets, and host characteristics affect the host response to biomaterials. The proposed work builds upon our previous studies demonstrating that macrophage M1/M2 polarization at early time points is predictive of downstream integration outcomes and that the implantation microenvironment (i.e. tissue type, age, disease status) strongly affects the host response and subsequent tissue remodeling outcomes. Additionally, we have developed a number of model systems for assessing the specific contributions of M1 and M2 macrophages in the host response to biomaterials and novel methods for the modulation of the host response at the biomaterial surface. Collectively, these studies will provide crucial insight into the use of biomaterials as implants and provide methods for promoting improved outcomes associated with their use. .

Public Health Relevance

(Relevance): Biomaterial implants are used ubiquitously throughout medicine to save and improve the quality of life for patients. There are several criteria by which the success or failure of implantable materials can be measured; but, without question, the manner in which the host responds to the implanted material will be a critical determinant of outcome. The present proposal seeks to develop a comprehensive and integrated approach to broadening the current understanding of how macrophages, their phenotypic subsets, and host characteristics affect the host response to biomaterials and develop methods for modulating the host-biomaterial interface to improve outcomes associated with biomaterial implantation.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM121558-02
Application #
9408647
Study Section
Biomaterials and Biointerfaces Study Section (BMBI)
Program Officer
Somers, Scott D
Project Start
2017-01-05
Project End
2021-12-31
Budget Start
2018-01-01
Budget End
2018-12-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2018
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Biomedical Engineering
Type
Biomed Engr/Col Engr/Engr Sta
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Hachim, Daniel; Brown, Bryan N (2018) Surface modification of polypropylene for enhanced layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolytes. J Biomed Mater Res A 106:2078-2085
Brown, Bryan N; Haschak, Martin J; Lopresti, Samuel T et al. (2017) Effects of age-related shifts in cellular function and local microenvironment upon the innate immune response to implants. Semin Immunol 29:24-32