Korean J Transplant.  2023 Nov;37(Suppl 1):S139. 10.4285/ATW2023.F-7223.

Regulatory macrophages as potential cell-based immunotherapy for organ xenotransplantation

• Hoang TX
• Pham HL
• Kim MH
• Vu PC
• Jung J
• Lee HH
• Kim JY

• KMID: 2551759
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4285/ATW2023.F-7223

Abstract

Due to the critical shortage of donor organs, researchers have long considered using pig organs for xenotransplantation. However, differences in cell surface glycans between pigs and humans can lead to stronger immune responses, causing inflammation and coagulation issues in the transplanted organ. Overcoming these challenges is vital for successful pig-to-primate xenotransplantation. Regulatory macrophages (Mregs) have emerged as a promising cell population that can suppress inflammatory and T cell responses. They are generated from monocytes and macrophages using M-CSF and IFN-gamma. Mregs express various markers, including CD163, CD169, CD204, CD206, CD209, and MerTK, with dehydrogenase/reductase 9 as a stable marker for human Mregs. These cells secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines, induce regulatory T cells, and promote a balanced immune response. Current pharmacological approaches to prevent graft rejection have limitations, leading to side effects. In contrast, Mregs offer a potential cell-based immunosuppressive therapy for xenotransplantation. Their ability to modulate immune responses makes them promising candidates to address the challenges faced in organ transplantation. Further research in this area could revolutionize the field of xenotransplantation with more effective and targeted immunosuppressive therapies. This research was financially supported by the Institute of Civil Military Technology Cooperation funded by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of Korean government under grant No. 22-CM-EC-18.