Immunity in salamander regeneration: where are we standing and where are we headed?

Salamanders can regenerate various body parts without scarring, and researchers are studying the underlying mechanisms to understand interspecies differences and apply this knowledge therapeutically. The immune system has emerged as a critical player in these regenerative responses. During regeneration, the immune system is involved in resolving infections, clearing damaged tissue, and providing essential signals for cell proliferation and tissue remodeling. Macrophages, a type of immune cell, are dynamically recruited during limb and heart regeneration in salamanders, contributing to ECM remodeling and clearance of cellular debris.

• 1
  Macrophages are recruited to the regenerating limb and heart, contributing to ECM remodeling, clearance of cellular debris and senescent cells.
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  Depletion of macrophages impairs limb regeneration, leading to fibrotic scarring instead of successful regeneration.
• 3
  T regulatory cells deliver essential tissue-specific signals for progenitor cell development during regeneration.