Collagen immunogenicity

Selkirk, M.E., Nielsen, L., Kelly, C., Partono, F., Sayers, G. and Maizels, R.M. (1989) Identification, synthesis and immunogenicity of cuticular collagens from the filarial nematodes Brugia malayi and Brugia pahangi. Mokcular and Biochemical Parasitology 32, 229—246. 

Scaffolds can be made from natural or synthetic materials. Such materials fall under the category of biomaterials. A biomaterial can be considered a single element or compound, which is a composite or mixture of elements, and is synthesized or derived to be used in the body to preserve, restore, or augment the structure or function of the body. Examples of natural materials for scaffold construction are extracellular matrix, collagen, fibrin, and polysaccharides (e.g., chitosan or glycosaminoglycans). Natural materials, unless they are obtained from the patient who receives the neo-organ implant, will cause an immunogenic response. This is not always the case with synthetic materials. 

Silver FH, Meade KR. Immunogenicity of collagenous implants. Biomaterials 1990 11 176-180. 

Some proteins are used for local treatments collagen injections, for example, are used to treat urinary incontinence and vesicoureteral reflux. Collagen has also been modified by covalent attachment of PEG [36], with the hope that the implanted collagen would be less immunogenic and would be retained at the injection site for a longer time. 

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