Macrophages are necessary for epimorphic regeneration in African spiny mice

eLife, 2017 · DOI: 10.7554/eLife.24623.001 · Published: May 16, 2017

Regenerative Medicine Immunology Genetics

Simple Explanation

The cells of the immune system are essential to defend an organism from disease. In addition, some of them are also thought to play an important role in helping injured tissues heal or even regrow. Macrophages come in different forms and subtypes, and express different protein markers on their surface, depending on where in the body they reside. To better understand how new tissue regenerates, Simkin et al. compared the healing abilities of spiny mice and house mice after they received an injury to their ear and showed that macrophages appeared to be important for both the regeneration of new tissue and the formation of scar tissue.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Acomys cahirinus and Mus musculus (Swiss Webster Envigro_Harlan Hsd:ND4)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study found that both species, Acomys cahirinus (regenerating) and Mus musculus (scarring), exhibited an acute inflammatory response, with scarring characterized by stronger myeloperoxidase activity.
2
ROS production was stronger and more persistent during regeneration.
3
By depleting macrophages during injury, the study demonstrated a functional requirement for these cells to stimulate regeneration.

Research Summary

The study examines cell-based inflammation in the African spiny mouse, a mammalian model of epimorphic regeneration, to test the hypothesis that macrophages are necessary for regeneration. The research compares inflammatory cell activation in a 4 mm ear injury during regeneration (Acomys cahirinus) and scarring (Mus musculus), revealing differences in myeloperoxidase activity and ROS production. Macrophage depletion during injury demonstrates a functional requirement for these cells to stimulate regeneration, and the spatial distribution of activated macrophage subtypes is unique during regeneration.

Practical Implications

Regenerative Medicine

Specific macrophage subtypes could be key to helping tissue regenerate, advancing the ability to stimulate tissue regeneration in humans.

Immune Response Modulation

Fine-tuning inflammatory responses, particularly concerning macrophage activity and ROS production, is key to promoting scar-free outcomes in wound healing.

Understanding Tissue Regeneration

A deeper understanding of how tissues can regrow in mammals is essential for advancing our ability to stimulate tissue regeneration in humans.

Study Limitations

1
The study primarily focuses on ear regeneration in spiny mice and may not be directly generalizable to other tissues or species.
2
The precise mechanisms by which macrophages regulate histolysis and re-epithelialization during the early phase of regeneration require further investigation.
3
Further research is needed to clarify the specific immune cell types and signaling pathways involved in scar formation and regeneration.

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