Tissue resident macrophages specifically express Lactotransferrin and Vegfc during ear pinna regeneration in spiny mice

This research investigates how macrophages contribute to tissue regeneration versus scar formation using spiny mice (Acomys spp.), which can regenerate ear tissue, and lab mice (Mus musculus), which form scar tissue. The study identifies that Acomys macrophages secrete factors like VEGFC, PDGF-A, and LTF, which promote a regenerative phenotype in fibroblasts, and that Acomys resident macrophages specifically secrete VEGFC and LTF in vivo. The research demonstrates that VEGFC is required for regeneration, as interrupting lymphangiogenesis delays blastema and new tissue formation, indicating that macrophages play a critical role in facilitating regeneration through cell-autonomous mechanisms.

• 1
  Acomys macrophages exhibit a muted inflammatory profile compared to Mus macrophages and secrete factors that antagonize collagen production and drive matrix remodeling.
• 2
  Acomys resident macrophages specifically express VEGFC and LTF during the inflammatory phase of regeneration, while Mus macrophages do not.
• 3
  VEGFC secretion from Acomys resident macrophages mediates VEGFR2 and VEGFR3 receptor activation during regeneration, and inhibiting VEGFC signaling interrupts regeneration in Acomys.