Seriously compromised function of some organs can only be restored by transplantation. Due to the shortage of human donors, the need to find another source of organs is of primary importance. Decellularized scaffolds of non-human origin are being studied as highly potential biomaterials for tissue engineering. Their biological nature and thus the ability to provide a naturally-derived environment for human cells to adhere and grow highlights their great advantage in comparison to synthetic scaffolds. Nevertheless, since every biomaterial implanted in the body generates immune reaction, studying the interaction of the scaffold with the surrounding tissues is necessary. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the immunogenicity of semi-xenografts involved in transplantation. Moreover, positive aspects of the interaction between xenogeneic scaffold and human cells are discussed, focusing on specific roles of proteins associated with extracellular matrix in cell adhesion and signalling.

Biomedical Center Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen Charles University Alej Svobody 1655 76 32300 Pilsen Czech Republic

Biomedical Center Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen Charles University Alej Svobody 1655 76 32300 Pilsen Czech Republic; Department of Pathology 3rd Faculty of Medicine Charles University Ruska 87 100 00 Prague 10 Czech Republic

Biomedical Center Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen Charles University Alej Svobody 1655 76 32300 Pilsen Czech Republic; Department of Surgery Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen Charles University Alej Svobody 80 32300 Pilsen Czech Republic

References provided by Crossref.org

Decellularization of Porcine Carotid Arteries: From the Vessel to the High-Quality Scaffold in Five Hours