Dendritic cells and the extracellular matrix: A challenge for maintaining tolerance/homeostasis

Figure 5 Merged images showing the formation of dense retro-corneal membrane separating corneal hydrogel from lens and posterior areas of eye, shown on day 22 after transplantation of murine corneas with RHCIII hydrogels. Newly generated membrane exhibits presence of alpha smooth muscle actin, likely produced by myofibroblasts recruited during the wound healing process. Tissue ingrowths into the RHCIII hydrogel are evidence of active remodelling of the artificial matrix scaffold by immune/inflammatory cells and ECM components, towards long-term integration with natural tissue. DAPI: Nuclear staining shown in blue; Alpha smooth muscle actin in green; ECM: Extracellular matrix.