Fibroblast signaling influences macrophage-dependent, biomaterial-induced tissue remodeling

Abstract

The ability to induce tissue regeneration on demand using biomaterials remains a major goal in biomedical research, yet significant challenges persist. Among the most advanced biomaterial models, the nanofiber-hydrogel composite has demonstrated a striking ability to induce soft adipose tissue remodeling at the injection site without incorporating exogenous biological cues.1,2 However, the underlying mechanisms that drive such a tissue response remain unclear. Here, we show that biomaterial-induced tissue remodeling is driven by sustained and controlled inflammation mediated by macrophages in strong communication with fibroblasts. Notably, both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals remained elevated during this process in the long-term, challenging the prevailing notion that inflammation opposes remodeling. Using macrophage depletion in mice, we demonstrate that macrophages are essential for this process. Single-cell RNA sequencing further revealed robust fibroblast-to-macrophage signaling, contrasting with the conventional macrophage-to-fibroblast paradigm, and identified unique Spp1 macrophages and Ctla2a fibroblasts within the remodeling niche. These findings provide a comprehensive view of the immune landscape in biomaterial-induced tissue remodeling, highlighting key cellular interactions, prolonged kinetics, and unexpected signaling pathways. By defining key targets and fundamental principles, this work has broad implications for advancing biomaterial-induced tissue regeneration.