Mounting evidence suggests that therapeutic cell and drug delivery strategies designed to actively harness the regenerative potential of the inflammatory response have great potential in regenerative medicine. In particular, macrophages have emerged as a primary target because of their critical roles in regulating multiple phases of tissue repair through their unique ability to rapidly shift phenotypes. Herein, we review macrophage-based therapies, focusing on the translational potential for cell delivery of ex vivo-activated macrophages and delivery of molecules and biomaterials to modulate accumulation and phenotype of endogenous macrophages. We also review current obstacles to progress in translating basic findings to therapeutic applications, including the need for improved understanding of context-dependent macrophage functions and the myriad factors that regulate macrophage phenotype; potential species-specific differences (e.g. humans versus mice); quality control issues; and the lack of standardized procedures and nomenclature for characterizing macrophages. Looking forward, the inherent plasticity of macrophages represents a daunting challenge for harnessing these cells in regenerative medicine therapies but also great opportunity for improving patient outcomes in a variety of pathological conditions.

越来越多的证据表明，旨在积极利用炎症反应的再生潜力的治疗性细胞和药物输送策略在再生医学中具有巨大潜力。特别地，由于巨噬细胞通过其快速改变表型的独特能力在调节组织修复的多个阶段中的关键作用，它们已成为主要的靶标。在这里，我们审查基于巨噬细胞的疗法，重点放在离体激活的巨噬细胞的细胞传递以及分子和生物材料的传递以调节内源性巨噬细胞的积累和表型的翻译潜力。我们还回顾了将基本发现转化为治疗应用方面目前存在的障碍，包括需要更好地了解上下文相关的巨噬细胞功能和调节巨噬细胞表型的众多因素；潜在的物种特异性差异（例如人与小鼠）；质量控制问题；缺乏用于表征巨噬细胞的标准化程序和术语。展望未来，巨噬细胞固有的可塑性代表了在再生医学疗法中利用这些细胞的艰巨挑战，同时也是在各种病理状况下改善患者预后的巨大机会。