Dendritic cells in host response to biologic scaffolds

- DCs are the orchestrators of immune responses and directly interact with biologic scaffolds.
- Macrophage response to biologics can indirectly affect DC function.
- Biomaterials and biologic scaffolds can be modified to achieve desired DC effector responses.

Tissue regeneration and repair require a highly complex and orchestrated series of events that require inflammation, but can be compromised when inflammation is excessive or becomes chronic. Macrophages are one of the first cells to contact and respond to implanted materials, and mediate the inflammatory response. The series of events following macrophage association with biomaterials has been well-studied. Dendritic cells (DCs) also directly interact with biomaterials, are critical for specific immune responses, and can be activated in response to interactions with biomaterials. Yet, much less is known about the responses by DCs. This review discusses what we know about DC response to biomaterials, the underlying mechanisms involved, and how DCs can be influenced by the macrophage response to biomaterials. Lastly, I will discuss how biomaterials can be manipulated to enhance or suppress DC function to promote a specific desirable immune response - a major goal for implantable biologically active therapeutics.