Macrophage mediated Immune Response of decellularized Extacellular Matrix-based Heart Valves and Aortic Implants

Decellularized extracellular matrix based heart valves and aortic implants are increasing in importance in clinical practice. However the functional degeneration of them after implantation is still an unsolved problem. We investigate in 3D cell culture systems and in vivo animal models the interaction of immunecells in special macrophages with decellularized implants as well as the influence of the decellularized material on the phenotype of the invading macrophages.  Investigation of these interactions will help us in future to a better understanding and perhaps avoidance of the degeneration of decellularized implants.