Abstract
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. While clinical trials of cell therapy have demonstrated largely neutral results, recent investigations into the mechanisms of natural myocardial regeneration have demonstrated promising new intersections between molecular, cellular, tissue, biomaterial, and biomechanical engineering solutions. New insight into the crucial role of inflammation in natural regenerative processes may explain why previous efforts have yielded only modest degrees of regeneration. Furthermore, the new understanding of the interdependent relationship of inflammation and myocardial regeneration have catalyzed the emergence of promising new areas of investigation at the intersection of many fields.