Uncovering the role of dendritic cells in the foreign body response to materials

It has long been recognized that implantation of bulk biomaterials triggers a profound reaction of host immune responses, which in some instances culminates in the foreign body reaction. Tissue injury associated with biomaterial implantation results in the release of chemotactic agents that recruit immune cells to the site of implantation, including monocytes. Approximately, 25% of recruited monocytes differentiate into DCs. Dendritic cell potency to stimulate adaptive immune responses to pathogens has been well characterized, but an understanding of their role in the foreign body reaction to biomaterials is severely lacking. The goal of this project is to elucidate the role of dendritic cells in the foreign body response to implanted bulk biomaterials in mammalian systems.