Modulation of foreign body reaction and macrophage phenotypes concerning microenvironment

Abstract The foreign body reaction (FBR) is described as a local chronic inflammation after implantation of biomaterials in which macrophages involved intimately. At the stage of acute inflammation, mast cells release histamine, Interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and Interleukin‐13 (IL‐13), enhancing recruitment, and fusion of macrophages in the following phase. As for chronic intensive inflammation, degradation of biomaterials would be promoted by macrophage‐derived foreign body giant cells releasing degradative enzymes, acid and reactive oxygen intermediates. Nevertheless, it could be seen as a breakthrough point for regulating FBR, considering the dominant role of the macrophage in the immune response as exemplified by the decrease of IL‐4 and IL‐13, stabilizing an appropriate balance between two macrophage phenotypes, selectively suppressing some function of macrophages, and so on. Moreover, the relationship between macrophages polarization and the development of a fibrous capsule, which increase the possibility of implantation failure, will be illustrated later. This review aims at providing readers a comprehensive understanding of FBR and its correlative treatment strategy.