Foreign-body giant cell

This is particularly evident with catheters, parasites, or biomaterials that are inserted into the body for replacement or regeneration of diseased or damaged tissues.

The human body goes through several steps when exposed to foreign biomaterial including acute and chronic inflammation, and formation of new tissue and a fibrous capsule along the surface of the implantation.

[1] Foreign body reactions, which are a type of chronic inflammation, are characterized by the presence of macrophages, monocytes, and foreign-body giant cells (FBGCs).

[5] Fusion also requires the presence of DC-STAMP, which is a transmembrane protein, and E-cadherin, CD206, MFR, and CD47, which are different types of receptors.

FBGC's will also begin to produce reactive oxygen intermediates, enzymes for degradation, and acid between their cell membranes and the surface of the biomaterial.

Histopathologic image of aspiration pneumonia in an elderly patient with debilitating neurologic illness. Note foreign-body giant cell reaction. Autopsy case. H & E stain.