CCR2 macrophage response determines the functional outcome following cardiomyocyte transplantation

BackgroundThe immune response is a crucial factor for mediating the benefit of cardiac cell therapies. Our previous research showed that cardiomyocyte transplantation alters the cardiac immune response and, when combined with short-term pharmacological CCR2 inhibition, resulted in diminished functional benefit. However, the specific role of innate immune cells, especially CCR2 macrophages on the outcome of cardiomyocyte transplantation, is unclear.MethodsWe compared the cellular, molecular, and functional outcome following cardiomyocyte transplantation in wildtype and T cell- and B cell-deficient Rag2(del) mice. The cardiac inflammatory response was assessed using flow cytometry. Gene expression profile was assessed using single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing. Cardiac function and morphology were determined using magnetic resonance tomography and immunohistochemistry respectively.ResultsCompared to wildtype mice, Rag2(del) mice show an increased innate immune response at steady state and disparate macrophage response after MI. Subsequent single-cell analyses after MI showed differences in macrophage development and a lower prevalence of CCR2 expressing macrophages. Cardiomyocyte transplantation increased NK cells and monocytes, while reducing CCR2(-)MHC-IIlo macrophages. Consequently, it led to increased mRNA levels of genes involved in extracellular remodelling, poor graft survival, and no functional improvement. Using machine learning-based feature selection, Mfge8 and Ccl7 were identified as the primary targets underlying these effects in the heart.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that the improved functional outcome following cardiomyocyte transplantation is dependent on a specific CCR2 macrophage response. This work highlights the need to study the role of the immune response for cardiomyocyte cell therapy for successful clinical translation.

Automated summary

This study compares the cellular, molecular, and functional outcomes of cardiomyocyte transplantation in wildtype and T cell- and B cell-deficient Rag2(del) mice, revealing the role of innate immune cells, especially CCR2 macrophages, in the outcome of cardiomyocyte transplantation. The results demonstrate that the improved functional outcome following cardiomyocyte transplantation is dependent on a specific CCR2 macrophage response. This highlights the importance of studying the immune response for successful clinical translation of cardiomyocyte cell therapy.