(110c) Regulating Lipid Metabolism and Inflammation Resolution Pathways Using Engineered Materials

As macrophages shift from a pro-inflammatory M1 to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, they also alter their metabolism from biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids to pro-resolving lipid mediators, producing a powerful feedback loop that further enhances inflammation resolution and eventually leads to a restoration of normal structure and homeostasis. Conversely, imbalances in lipid mediator metabolism can lead to failed resolution and chronic inflammation associated with multiple organ pathologies. Resolution-pharmacology strategies, in contrast to traditional therapeutic strategies to exclusively antagonize the initiators of inflammation directly (e.g. cytokines and eicosanoids), can harness endogenous resolution mechanisms to limit tissue destruction and fibrosis while also stimulating repair and regeneration. This talk will explore how modulation of bioactive lipid metabolism and signaling using biomaterials can be utilized for novel strategies in regenerative engineering.