Figure 8.

Foreign body reaction. Simplified scheme of the foreign body response development. After the scaffold implantation, the material interferes with the blood/serum proteins, which are adsorbed on the surface. Subsequently, neutrophils, the cells of the innate immune system, are activated. By secretion of the regulatory molecules, macrophages are recruited, and with the material’s persistence in the body, foreign body giant cells are formed. These cells are typical for foreign body reactions. Macrophages crosstalk with (myo)fibroblasts, forming a fibrous capsule around the implanted material. Created with BioRender.com.