“The Role of Macrophage Scavenger Receptors in Engineered Biomaterial Scaffold Remodeling”

CD206, also known as mannose receptor C type 1, is used frequently as a marker to identify the M2 polarized macrophages in the investigation of immune responses to biomaterials. M2 macrophages help with tissue repair, inflammation reduction, building immune tolerance, and defense against excessive inflammation. CD206 is found on the surface of M2 macrophages and dendritic cells, and functions as a pattern recognition receptor for a variety of connective tissues in health, including pulmonary tuberculosis, liver fibrosis, and others. Previous research has shown a role of CD206 in internalization of collagen fragments in tumors. In this study, we aim to determine whether CD206 is more than just an M2 marker in response to biomaterials. We have found that adaptive immune cells as well as cross-presenting dendritic cells are critical for CD206 induction in biomaterial-treated muscle injury. In Batf3−/− mice, where CD206 expression is lost, we find hemosiderin deposition suggesting defects in phagocytosis. In future studies, we will use CD206-deficient to directly evaluate its role in scaffold remodeling at the site of injury.