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Review
. 2017 Dec 1:122:74-83.
doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.05.010. Epub 2017 May 16.

Macrophage-based therapeutic strategies in regenerative medicine

Kara L Spiller  1 , Timothy J Koh  2
Affiliations
Review

Macrophage-based therapeutic strategies in regenerative medicine

Kara L Spiller et al. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. .

Abstract

Mounting evidence suggests that therapeutic cell and drug delivery strategies designed to actively harness the regenerative potential of the inflammatory response have great potential in regenerative medicine. In particular, macrophages have emerged as a primary target because of their critical roles in regulating multiple phases of tissue repair through their unique ability to rapidly shift phenotypes. Herein, we review macrophage-based therapies, focusing on the translational potential for cell delivery of ex vivo-activated macrophages and delivery of molecules and biomaterials to modulate accumulation and phenotype of endogenous macrophages. We also review current obstacles to progress in translating basic findings to therapeutic applications, including the need for improved understanding of context-dependent macrophage functions and the myriad factors that regulate macrophage phenotype; potential species-specific differences (e.g. humans versus mice); quality control issues; and the lack of standardized procedures and nomenclature for characterizing macrophages. Looking forward, the inherent plasticity of macrophages represents a daunting challenge for harnessing these cells in regenerative medicine therapies but also great opportunity for improving patient outcomes in a variety of pathological conditions.

Keywords: Inflammation; Macrophages; Regenerative medicine.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Balance of macrophage phenotypes in tissue repair
(a) M1-like and M2-like macrophages act sequentially in normal tissue repair to initiate and stabilize multiple repair processes, respectively. (b) An imbalance of either phenotype (in terms of either numbers or timing) impairs tissue healing.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Summary of strategies to manipulate macrophage numbers or phenotype in regenerative medicine.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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