Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Immunological Considerations in Tissue Engineering

Immunological considerations are critical in tissue engineering to ensure graft acceptance and functional integration. Biocompatibility of biomaterials is paramount, as immune reactions like inflammation or fibrosis can compromise outcomes. Using autologous cells minimizes rejection risks but limits scalability, while allogeneic cells pose challenges due to immune incompatibility. Immune modulation strategies, such as incorporating anti-inflammatory biomaterials or localized immunosuppressants, are crucial for enhancing acceptance. Additionally, understanding the roles of innate and adaptive immunity helps in designing constructs that avoid chronic rejection. Advances in bioengineering, such as decellularized scaffolds and immune-evasive designs, aim to mitigate immune responses, paving the way for more reliable and durable tissue-engineered solutions in regenerative medicine.