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Wistner SC, Rashad L, Slaughter G. Advances in tissue engineering and biofabrication for in vitro skin modeling. BIOPRINTING (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 35:e00306. [PMID: 38645432 PMCID: PMC11031264 DOI: 10.1016/j.bprint.2023.e00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The global prevalence of skin disease and injury is continually increasing, yet conventional cell-based models used to study these conditions do not accurately reflect the complexity of human skin. The lack of inadequate in vitro modeling has resulted in reliance on animal-based models to test pharmaceuticals, biomedical devices, and industrial and environmental toxins to address clinical needs. These in vivo models are monetarily and morally expensive and are poor predictors of human tissue responses and clinical trial outcomes. The onset of three-dimensional (3D) culture techniques, such as cell-embedded and decellularized approaches, has offered accessible in vitro alternatives, using innovative scaffolds to improve cell-based models' structural and histological authenticity. However, these models lack adequate organizational control and complexity, resulting in variations between structures and the exclusion of physiologically relevant vascular and immunological features. Recently, biofabrication strategies, which combine biology, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities, have emerged as instrumental tools to recreate the heterogeneity of human skin precisely. Bioprinting uses computer-aided design (CAD) to yield robust and reproducible skin prototypes with unprecedented control over tissue design and assembly. As the interdisciplinary nature of biofabrication grows, we look to the promise of next-generation biofabrication technologies, such as organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) and 4D modeling, to simulate human tissue behaviors more reliably for research, pharmaceutical, and regenerative medicine purposes. This review aims to discuss the barriers to developing clinically relevant skin models, describe the evolution of skin-inspired in vitro structures, analyze the current approaches to biofabricating 3D human skin mimetics, and define the opportunities and challenges in biofabricating skin tissue for preclinical and clinical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Wistner
- Center for Bioelectronics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23508, USA
| | - Layla Rashad
- Center for Bioelectronics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23508, USA
| | - Gymama Slaughter
- Center for Bioelectronics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23508, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23508, USA
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2
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Nguyen OTP, Misun PM, Lohasz C, Lee J, Wang W, Schroeder T, Hierlemann A. An Immunocompetent Microphysiological System to Simultaneously Investigate Effects of Anti-Tumor Natural Killer Cells on Tumor and Cardiac Microtissues. Front Immunol 2021; 12:781337. [PMID: 34925361 PMCID: PMC8675866 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.781337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Existing first-line cancer therapies often fail to cope with the heterogeneity and complexity of cancers, so that new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Among novel alternative therapies, adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has emerged as a promising cancer treatment in recent years. The limited clinical applications of ACT, despite its advantages over standard-of-care therapies, can be attributed to (i) time-consuming and cost-intensive procedures to screen for potent anti-tumor immune cells and the corresponding targets, (ii) difficulties to translate in-vitro and animal-derived in-vivo efficacies to clinical efficacy in humans, and (iii) the lack of systemic methods for the safety assessment of ACT. Suitable experimental models and testing platforms have the potential to accelerate the development of ACT. Immunocompetent microphysiological systems (iMPS) are microfluidic platforms that enable complex interactions of advanced tissue models with different immune cell types, bridging the gap between in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Here, we present a proof-of-concept iMPS that supports a triple culture of three-dimensional (3D) colorectal tumor microtissues, 3D cardiac microtissues, and human-derived natural killer (NK) cells in the same microfluidic network. Different aspects of tumor-NK cell interactions were characterized using this iMPS including: (i) direct interaction and NK cell-mediated tumor killing, (ii) the development of an inflammatory milieu through enrichment of soluble pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, and (iii) secondary effects on healthy cardiac microtissues. We found a specific NK cell-mediated tumor-killing activity and elevated levels of tumor- and NK cell-derived chemokines and cytokines, indicating crosstalk and development of an inflammatory milieu. While viability and morphological integrity of cardiac microtissues remained mostly unaffected, we were able to detect alterations in their beating behavior, which shows the potential of iMPS for both, efficacy and early safety testing of new candidate ACTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oanh T. P. Nguyen
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrick M. Misun
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Lohasz
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jihyun Lee
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Weijia Wang
- Cell Systems Dynamics Group, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Timm Schroeder
- Cell Systems Dynamics Group, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hierlemann
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
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Xie H, Appelt JW, Jenkins RW. Going with the Flow: Modeling the Tumor Microenvironment Using Microfluidic Technology. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236052. [PMID: 34885161 PMCID: PMC8656483 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The clinical success of cancer immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoints (e.g., PD-1, CTLA-4) has ushered in a new era of cancer therapeutics aimed at promoting antitumor immunity in hopes of offering durable clinical responses for patients with advanced, metastatic cancer. This success has also reinvigorated interest in developing tumor model systems that recapitulate key features of antitumor immune responses to complement existing in vivo tumor models. Patient-derived tumor models have emerged in recent years to facilitate study of tumor–immune dynamics. Microfluidic technology has enabled development of microphysiologic systems (MPSs) for the evaluation of the tumor microenvironment, which have shown early promise in studying tumor–immune dynamics. Further development of microfluidic-based “tumor-on-a-chip” MPSs to study tumor–immune interactions may overcome several key challenges currently facing tumor immunology. Abstract Recent advances in cancer immunotherapy have led a paradigm shift in the treatment of multiple malignancies with renewed focus on the host immune system and tumor–immune dynamics. However, intrinsic and acquired resistance to immunotherapy limits patient benefits and wider application. Investigations into the mechanisms of response and resistance to immunotherapy have demonstrated key tumor-intrinsic and tumor-extrinsic factors. Studying complex interactions with multiple cell types is necessary to understand the mechanisms of response and resistance to cancer therapies. The lack of model systems that faithfully recapitulate key features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains a challenge for cancer researchers. Here, we review recent advances in TME models focusing on the use of microfluidic technology to study and model the TME, including the application of microfluidic technologies to study tumor–immune dynamics and response to cancer therapeutics. We also discuss the limitations of current systems and suggest future directions to utilize this technology to its highest potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Xie
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (H.X.); (J.W.A.)
| | - Jackson W. Appelt
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (H.X.); (J.W.A.)
| | - Russell W. Jenkins
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (H.X.); (J.W.A.)
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +617-726-9372; Fax: +844-542-5959
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Tse RTH, Zhao H, Wong CYP, Chiu PKF, Teoh JYC, Ng CF. Current status of organoid culture in urological malignancy. Int J Urol 2021; 29:102-113. [PMID: 34643976 DOI: 10.1111/iju.14727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Urological cancers are common malignancies worldwide. Several conventional models, for example, two-dimensional cell culture and animal models have been used for decades to study tumor genetics. Nonetheless, these methods have limitations in reflecting the real tumor microenvironment in vivo, thereby hindering the development of anti-cancer therapeutic agents. Recently, three-dimensional culture models have gained attention because they can overcome the drawbacks of traditional methods. Above all, three-dimensional organoid models are able to mimic the tumor microenvironment in human bodies more closely as they are able to demonstrate the interactions between cells and extracellular matrix. This type of model has therefore extended our understanding of urological cancers. Tumor cells in organoid models can also be co-cultured with other cellular components, such as peripheral blood lymphocytes, and allow further understanding of the effect of tumor microenvironments on tumor growth. Furthermore, organoid models allow a prolonged culturing period, therefore, tumor evolution, progression and maintenance can also be assessed. Organoid models can be derived from each specific patient, and this facilitates investigation of individual cancer-specific mutations and their subtypes. As a result, the development of personalized medication targeting the signaling pathways or biomolecules of interest will be possible. In the present review, we summarize the development and applications of three-dimensional organoid cultures in urological cancers, mainly focusing on prostate, urinary bladder and kidney cancers, and assess the future prospects of this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Tsz-Hei Tse
- S.H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongda Zhao
- S.H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Christine Yim-Ping Wong
- S.H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peter Ka-Fung Chiu
- S.H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jeremy Yuen-Chun Teoh
- S.H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Fai Ng
- S.H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Ando Y, Mariano C, Shen K. Engineered in vitro tumor models for cell-based immunotherapy. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:345-359. [PMID: 33857692 PMCID: PMC8434941 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy is rapidly evolving as one of the major pillars of cancer treatment. Cell-based immunotherapies, which utilize patient's own immune cells to eliminate cancer cells, have shown great promise in treating a range of malignancies, especially those of hematopoietic origins. However, their performance on a broader spectrum of solid tumor types still fall short of expectations in the clinical stage despite promising preclinical assessments. In this review, we briefly introduce cell-based immunotherapies and the inhibitory mechanisms in tumor microenvironments that may have contributed to this discrepancy. Specifically, a major obstacle to the clinical translation of cell-based immunotherapies is in the lack of preclinical models that can accurately assess the efficacies and mechanisms of these therapies in a (patho-)physiologically relevant manner. Lately, tissue engineering and organ-on-a-chip tools and microphysiological models have allowed for more faithful recapitulation of the tumor microenvironments, by incorporating crucial tumor tissue features such as cellular phenotypes, tissue architecture, extracellular matrix, physical parameters, and their dynamic interactions. This review summarizes the existing engineered tumor models with a focus on tumor immunology and cell-based immunotherapy. We also discuss some key considerations for the future development of engineered tumor models for immunotherapeutics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cell-based immunotherapies have shown great promise in treating hematological malignancies and some epithelial tumors. However, their performance on a broader spectrum of solid tumor types still fall short of expectations. Major obstacles include the inhibitory mechanisms in tumor microenvironments (TME) and the lack of preclinical models that can accurately assess the efficacies and mechanisms of cellular therapies in a (patho-)physiologically relevant manner. In this review, we introduce recent progress in tissue engineering and microphysiological models for more faithful recapitulation of TME for cell-based immunotherapies, and some key considerations for the future development of engineered tumor models. This overview will provide a better understanding on the role of engineered models in accelerating immunotherapeutic discoveries and clinical translations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Ando
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Chelsea Mariano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Keyue Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, United States; USC Stem Cell, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States.
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6
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Shelton SE, Nguyen HT, Barbie DA, Kamm RD. Engineering approaches for studying immune-tumor cell interactions and immunotherapy. iScience 2021; 24:101985. [PMID: 33490895 PMCID: PMC7808917 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review describes recent research that has advanced our understanding of the role of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) using advanced 3D in vitro models and engineering approaches. The TME can hinder effective eradication of tumor cells by the immune system, but immunotherapy has been able to reverse this effect in some cases. However, patient-to-patient variability in response suggests that we require deeper understanding of the mechanistic interactions between immune and tumor cells to improve response and develop novel therapeutics. Reconstruction of the TME using engineered 3D models allows high-resolution observation of cell interactions while allowing control of conditions such as hypoxia, matrix stiffness, and flow. Moreover, patient-derived organotypic models are an emerging tool for prediction of drug efficacy. This review highlights the importance of modeling and understanding the immune TME and describes new tools for identifying new biological targets, drug testing, and strategies for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Huu Tuan Nguyen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David A. Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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7
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Lee IC. Cancer-on-a-chip for Drug Screening. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 24:5407-5418. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190206235233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
:
The oncology pharmaceutical research spent a shocking amount of money on target validation and
drug optimization in preclinical models because many oncology drugs fail during clinical trial phase III. One of
the most important reasons for oncology drug failures in clinical trials may due to the poor predictive tool of
existing preclinical models. Therefore, in cancer research and personalized medicine field, it is critical to improve
the effectiveness of preclinical predictions of the drug response of patients to therapies and to reduce costly failures
in clinical trials. Three dimensional (3D) tumor models combine micro-manufacturing technologies mimic
critical physiologic parameters present in vivo, including complex multicellular architecture with multicellular
arrangement and extracellular matrix deposition, packed 3D structures with cell–cell interactions, such as tight
junctions, barriers to mass transport of drugs, nutrients and other factors, which are similar to in vivo tumor tissues.
These systems provide a solution to mimic the physiological environment for improving predictive accuracy
in oncology drug discovery.
:
his review gives an overview of the innovations, development and limitations of different types of tumor-like
construction techniques such as self-assemble spheroid formation, spheroids formation by micro-manufacturing
technologies, micro-dissected tumor tissues and tumor organoid. Combination of 3D tumor-like construction and
microfluidic techniques to achieve tumor on a chip for in vitro tumor environment modeling and drug screening
were all included. Eventually, developmental directions and technical challenges in the research field are also
discussed. We believe tumor on chip models have provided better sufficient clinical predictive power and will
bridge the gap between proof-of-concept studies and a wider implementation within the oncology drug development
for pathophysiological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Chi Lee
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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8
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Ando Y, Siegler E, Ta HP, Cinay GE, Zhou H, Gorrell KA, Au H, Jarvis BM, Wang P, Shen K. Evaluating CAR-T Cell Therapy in a Hypoxic 3D Tumor Model. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1900001. [PMID: 30734529 PMCID: PMC6448565 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201900001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Despite its revolutionary success in hematological malignancies, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy faces disappointing clinical results in solid tumors. The poor efficacy has been partially attributed to the lack of understanding in how CAR-T cells function in a solid tumor microenvironment. Hypoxia plays a critical role in cancer progression and immune editing, which potentially results in solid tumors escaping immunosurveillance and CAR-T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Mechanistic studies of CAR-T cell biology in a physiological environment has been limited by the complexity of tumor-immune interactions in clinical and animal models, as well as by a lack of reliable in vitro models. A microdevice platform that recapitulates a 3D tumor section with a gradient of oxygen and integrates fluidic channels surrounding the tumor for CAR-T cell delivery is engineered. The design allows for the evaluation of CAR-T cell cytotoxicity and infiltration in the heterogeneous oxygen landscape of in vivo solid tumors at a previously unachievable scale in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Ando
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Elizabeth Siegler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Hoang P. Ta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Gunce E. Cinay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Kimberly A. Gorrell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Hannah Au
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenesis, College of Letters and Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Bethany M. Jarvis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Pin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
| | - Keyue Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
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9
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Liu Y, Yang Q, Cao L, Xu F. Analysis of Leukocyte Behaviors on Microfluidic Chips. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1801406. [PMID: 30672149 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201801406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The orchestration of massive leukocytes in the immune system protects humans from invading pathogens and abnormal cells in the body. So far, researches focusing on leukocyte behaviors are performed based on both in vivo and in vitro models. The in vivo animal models are usually less controllable due to their extreme complexity and nonignorable species issue. Therefore, many researchers turn to in vitro models. With the advances in micro/nanofabrication, the microfluidic chip has emerged as a novel platform for model construction in multiple biomedical research fields. Specifically, the microfluidic chip is used to study leukocyte behaviors, due to its incomparable advantages in high throughput, precise control, and flexible integration. Moreover, the small size of the microstructures on the microfluidic chip can better mimic the native microenvironment of leukocytes, which contributes to a more reliable recapitulation. Herein are reviewed the recent advances in microfluidic chip-based leukocyte behavior analysis to provide an overview of this field. Detailed discussions are specifically focused on host defense against pathogens, immunodiagnosis, and immunotherapy studies on microfluidic chips. Finally, the current technical challenges are discussed, as well as possible innovations in this field to improve the related applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education; School of Life Science and Technology; Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an Shaanxi 710049 China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC); Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an Shaanxi 710049 China
| | - Qingzhen Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education; School of Life Science and Technology; Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an Shaanxi 710049 China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC); Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an Shaanxi 710049 China
| | - Lei Cao
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education; School of Life Science and Technology; Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an Shaanxi 710049 China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC); Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an Shaanxi 710049 China
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education; School of Life Science and Technology; Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an Shaanxi 710049 China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC); Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an Shaanxi 710049 China
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10
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Adriani G, Pavesi A, Kamm RD. Studying TCR T cell anti-tumor activity in a microfluidic intrahepatic tumor model. Methods Cell Biol 2018; 146:199-214. [PMID: 30037462 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) is showing promising results in clinical trials but many challenges remain in understanding the key role of the tumor microenvironment. These challenges constitute a major barrier to advancing the field. Therefore, it is crucial to perform preclinical tests of the developed ACT strategies in a fast and reproducible way to assess the potential for patient therapy. Here, we describe the development of an intrahepatic tumor model in a microfluidic device for screening T cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies and the role of monocytes in these therapies. This system can be used to test also the effects of supporting cytokine administration and changes in oxygen level that are typically found in a liver tumor microenvironment. As a result, these 3D microfluidic assays provide a means to quantify T cell anti-tumor activity under different conditions to optimize existing therapeutic strategies or the design of new ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Adriani
- BioSystems and Micromechanics IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea Pavesi
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger D Kamm
- BioSystems and Micromechanics IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.
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11
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Rebelo SP, Pinto C, Martins TR, Harrer N, Estrada MF, Loza-Alvarez P, Cabeçadas J, Alves PM, Gualda EJ, Sommergruber W, Brito C. 3D-3-culture: A tool to unveil macrophage plasticity in the tumour microenvironment. Biomaterials 2018; 163:185-197. [PMID: 29477032 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment (TME) shapes disease progression and influences therapeutic response. Most aggressive solid tumours have high levels of myeloid cell infiltration, namely tumour associated macrophages (TAM). Recapitulation of the interaction between the different cellular players of the TME, along with the extracellular matrix (ECM), is critical for understanding the mechanisms underlying disease progression. This particularly holds true for prediction of therapeutic response(s) to standard therapies and interrogation of efficacy of TME-targeting agents. In this work, we explored a culture platform based on alginate microencapsulation and stirred culture systems to develop the 3D-3-culture, which entails the co-culture of tumour cell spheroids of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) and monocytes. We demonstrate that the 3D-3-culture recreates an invasive and immunosuppressive TME, with accumulation of cytokines/chemokines (IL4, IL10, IL13, CCL22, CCL24, CXCL1), ECM elements (collagen type I, IV and fibronectin) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP1/9), supporting cell migration and promoting cell-cell interactions within the alginate microcapsules. Importantly, we show that both the monocytic cell line THP-1 and peripheral blood-derived monocytes infiltrate the tumour tissue and transpolarize into an M2-like macrophage phenotype expressing CD68, CD163 and CD206, resembling the TAM phenotype in NSCLC. The 3D-3-culture was challenged with chemo- and immunotherapeutic agents and the response to therapy was assessed in each cellular component. Specifically, the macrophage phenotype was modulated upon treatment with the CSF1R inhibitor BLZ945, resulting in a decrease of the M2-like macrophages. In conclusion, the crosstalk between the ECM and tumour, stromal and immune cells in microencapsulated 3D-3-culture promotes the activation of monocytes into TAM, mimicking aggressive tumour stages. The 3D-3-culture constitutes a novel tool to study tumour-immune interaction and macrophage plasticity in response to external stimuli, such as chemotherapeutic and immunomodulatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia P Rebelo
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901, Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pinto
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901, Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Tatiana R Martins
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901, Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Nathalie Harrer
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Department of Lead Discovery, 1121, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marta F Estrada
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901, Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Pablo Loza-Alvarez
- ICFO - Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Cabeçadas
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paula M Alves
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901, Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Emilio J Gualda
- ICFO - Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wolfgang Sommergruber
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Department of Lead Discovery, 1121, Vienna, Austria
| | - Catarina Brito
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901, Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.
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12
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Whelan KA, Muir AB, Nakagawa H. Esophageal 3D Culture Systems as Modeling Tools in Esophageal Epithelial Pathobiology and Personalized Medicine. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 5:461-478. [PMID: 29713660 PMCID: PMC5924738 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus shows a proliferative basal layer of keratinocytes that undergo terminal differentiation in overlying suprabasal layers. Esophageal pathologies, including eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma, cause perturbations in the esophageal epithelial proliferation-differentiation gradient. Three-dimensional (3D) culture platforms mimicking in vivo esophageal epithelial tissue architecture ex vivo have emerged as powerful experimental tools for the investigation of esophageal biology in the context of homeostasis and pathology. Herein, we describe types of 3D culture that are used to model the esophagus, including organotypic, organoid, and spheroid culture systems. We discuss the development and optimization of various esophageal 3D culture models; highlight the applications, strengths, and limitations of each method; and summarize how these models have been used to evaluate the esophagus under homeostatic conditions as well as under the duress of inflammation and precancerous/cancerous conditions. Finally, we present future perspectives regarding the use of esophageal 3D models in basic science research as well as translational studies with the potential for personalized medicine.
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Key Words
- 3D, 3-dimensional
- BE, Barrett’s esophagus
- COX, cyclooxygenase
- CSC, cancer stem cell
- EADC, esophageal adenocarcinoma
- EGF, epidermal growth factor
- EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor
- EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition
- ESCC, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
- EoE, eosinophilic esophagitis
- Esophageal Disease
- FEF3, primary human fetal esophageal fibroblast
- GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease
- OTC, organotypic 3-dimensional culture
- Organoid
- Organotypic Culture
- STAT3, signal transducer and activator of transcription-3
- Spheroid Culture
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A. Whelan
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Amanda B. Muir
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Correspondence Address correspondence to: Amanda B. Muir, MD, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Abramson Research Center 902E, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103. fax: (267) 426–7814.
| | - Hiroshi Nakagawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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13
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Riffle S, Hegde RS. Modeling tumor cell adaptations to hypoxia in multicellular tumor spheroids. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2017; 36:102. [PMID: 28774341 PMCID: PMC5543535 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-017-0570-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Under hypoxic conditions, tumor cells undergo a series of adaptations that promote evolution of a more aggressive tumor phenotype including the activation of DNA damage repair proteins, altered metabolism, and decreased proliferation. Together these changes mitigate the negative impact of oxygen deprivation and allow preservation of genomic integrity and proliferative capacity, thus contributing to tumor growth and metastasis. As a result the presence of a hypoxic microenvironment is considered a negative clinical feature of many solid tumors. Hypoxic niches in tumors also represent a therapeutically privileged environment in which chemo- and radiation therapy is less effective. Although the negative impact of tumor hypoxia has been well established, the precise effect of oxygen deprivation on tumor cell behavior, and the molecular signals that allow a tumor cell to survive in vivo are poorly understood. Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) have been used as an in vitro model for the avascular tumor niche, capable of more accurately recreating tumor genomic profiles and predicting therapeutic response. However, relatively few studies have used MCTS to study the molecular mechanisms driving tumor cell adaptations within the hypoxic tumor environment. Here we will review what is known about cell proliferation, DNA damage repair, and metabolic pathways as modeled in MCTS in comparison to observations made in solid tumors. A more precise definition of the cell populations present within 3D tumor models in vitro could better inform our understanding of the heterogeneity within tumors as well as provide a more representative platform for the testing of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Riffle
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Rashmi S Hegde
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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14
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Mengus C, Muraro MG, Mele V, Amicarella F, Manfredonia C, Foglietta F, Muenst S, Soysal SD, Iezzi G, Spagnoli GC. In Vitro Modeling of Tumor-Immune System Interaction. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 4:314-323. [PMID: 33418726 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged during the past two decades as an innovative and successful form of cancer treatment. However, frequently, mechanisms of actions are still unclear, predictive markers are insufficiently characterized, and preclinical assays for innovative treatments are poorly reliable. In this context, the analysis of tumor/immune system interaction plays key roles, but may be unreliably mirrored by in vivo experimental models and standard bidimensional culture systems. Tridimensional cultures of tumor cells have been developed to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo systems. Interestingly, defined aspects of the interaction of cells from adaptive and innate immune systems and tumor cells may also be mirrored by 3D cultures. Here we review in vitro models of cancer/immune cell interaction and we propose that updated technologies might help develop innovative treatments, identify biologicals of potential clinical relevance, and select patients eligible for immunotherapy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Federica Foglietta
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 13, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Simone Muenst
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Schönbeinstrasse 40, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Savas D Soysal
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
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15
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Adriani G, Pavesi A, Tan AT, Bertoletti A, Thiery JP, Kamm RD. Microfluidic models for adoptive cell-mediated cancer immunotherapies. Drug Discov Today 2016; 21:1472-1478. [PMID: 27185084 PMCID: PMC5035566 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Current adoptive T cell therapies have shown promising results in clinical trials but need further development as an effective cancer treatment. Here, we discuss how 3D microfluidic tumour models mimicking the tumour microenvironment could help in testing T cell immunotherapies by assessing engineered T cells and identifying combinatorial therapy to improve therapeutic efficacy. We propose that 3D microfluidic systems can be used to screen different patient-specific treatments, thereby reducing the burden of in vivo testing and facilitating the rapid translation of successful T cell cancer immunotherapies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Adriani
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, BioSyM IRG, 1 Create Way, 138602, Singapore
| | - Andrea Pavesi
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, BioSyM IRG, 1 Create Way, 138602, Singapore
| | - Anthony T Tan
- DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore, Emerging Infectious Disease Program, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore, Emerging Infectious Disease Program, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore
| | - Jean Paul Thiery
- National University of Singapore, Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine MD7, 8 Medical Drive, 117597, Singapore
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, BioSyM IRG, 1 Create Way, 138602, Singapore; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Biological Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 02139 Cambridge, MA, USA.
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16
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Weiswald LB, Bellet D, Dangles-Marie V. Spherical cancer models in tumor biology. Neoplasia 2015; 17:1-15. [PMID: 25622895 PMCID: PMC4309685 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 751] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models have been used in cancer research as an intermediate model between in vitro cancer cell line cultures and in vivo tumor. Spherical cancer models represent major 3D in vitro models that have been described over the past 4 decades. These models have gained popularity in cancer stem cell research using tumorospheres. Thus, it is crucial to define and clarify the different spherical cancer models thus far described. Here, we focus on in vitro multicellular spheres used in cancer research. All these spherelike structures are characterized by their well-rounded shape, the presence of cancer cells, and their capacity to be maintained as free-floating cultures. We propose a rational classification of the four most commonly used spherical cancer models in cancer research based on culture methods for obtaining them and on subsequent differences in sphere biology: the multicellular tumor spheroid model, first described in the early 70s and obtained by culture of cancer cell lines under nonadherent conditions; tumorospheres, a model of cancer stem cell expansion established in a serum-free medium supplemented with growth factors; tissue-derived tumor spheres and organotypic multicellular spheroids, obtained by tumor tissue mechanical dissociation and cutting. In addition, we describe their applications to and interest in cancer research; in particular, we describe their contribution to chemoresistance, radioresistance, tumorigenicity, and invasion and migration studies. Although these models share a common 3D conformation, each displays its own intrinsic properties. Therefore, the most relevant spherical cancer model must be carefully selected, as a function of the study aim and cancer type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Bastien Weiswald
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Michael Smith Genome Sciences Center, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Laboratoire d'Oncobiologie, Hôpital René Huguenin, Institut Curie, St Cloud, France; Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.
| | - Dominique Bellet
- Laboratoire d'Oncobiologie, Hôpital René Huguenin, Institut Curie, St Cloud, France; Université Paris Descartes, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, UMR 8151 CNRS-U1022 Inserm, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Virginie Dangles-Marie
- Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Département de Recherche Translationnelle, Research Center, Institut Curie, Paris, France.
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17
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Hirt C, Papadimitropoulos A, Mele V, Muraro MG, Mengus C, Iezzi G, Terracciano L, Martin I, Spagnoli GC. "In vitro" 3D models of tumor-immune system interaction. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 79-80:145-54. [PMID: 24819215 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interaction between cancer cells and immune system critically affects development, progression and treatment of human malignancies. Experimental animal models and conventional "in vitro" studies have provided a wealth of information on this interaction, currently used to develop immune-mediated therapies. Studies utilizing three-dimensional culture technologies have emphasized that tumor architecture dramatically influences cancer cell-immune system interaction by steering cytokine production and regulating differentiation patterns of myeloid cells, and decreasing the sensitivity of tumor cells to lymphocyte effector functions. Hypoxia and increased production of lactic acid by tumor cells cultured in 3D architectures appear to be mechanistically involved. 3D culture systems could be further developed to (i) include additional cell partners potentially influencing cancer cell-immune system interaction, (ii) enable improved control of hypoxia, and (iii) allow the use of freshly derived clinical cancer specimens. Such advanced models will represent new tools for cancer immunobiology studies and for pre-clinical assessment of innovative treatments.
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18
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Guarino V, Cirillo V, Altobelli R, Ambrosio L. Polymer-based platforms by electric field-assisted techniques for tissue engineering and cancer therapy. Expert Rev Med Devices 2014; 12:113-29. [DOI: 10.1586/17434440.2014.953058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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19
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He W, Kuang Y, Xing X, Simpson RJ, Huang H, Yang T, Chen J, Yang L, Liu E, He W, Gu J. Proteomic comparison of 3D and 2D glioma models reveals increased HLA-E expression in 3D models is associated with resistance to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. J Proteome Res 2014; 13:2272-81. [PMID: 24742303 DOI: 10.1021/pr500064m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional cell culture techniques can better reflect the in vivo characteristics of tumor cells compared with traditional monolayer cultures. Compared with their 2D counterparts, 3D-cultured tumor cells showed enhanced resistance to the cytotoxic T cell-mediated immune response. However, it remains unclear whether 3D-cultured tumor cells have an enhanced resistance to NK cell cytotoxicity. In this study, a total of 363 differentially expressed proteins were identified between the 2D- and 3D-cultured U251 cells by comparative proteomics, and an immune-associated protein-protein interaction (PPI) network based on these differential proteins was constructed by bioinformatics. Within the network, HLA-E, as a molecule for inhibiting NK cell activation, was significantly up-regulated in the 3D-cultured tumor cells. Then, we found that the 3D-cultured U251 cells exhibited potent resistance to NK cell cytotoxicity in vitro and were prone to tumor formation in vivo. The resistance of the 3D-cultured tumor cells to NK cell lysis was mediated by the HLA-E/NKG2A interaction because the administration of antibodies that block either HLA-E or NKG2A completely eliminated this resistance and significantly decreased tumor formation. Taken together, our findings indicate that HLA-E up-regulation in 3D-cultured cells may result in enhanced tumor resistance to NK cell-mediated immune response.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Blocking/immunology
- Antibodies, Blocking/pharmacology
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Culture Techniques/methods
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chromatography, Liquid
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/immunology
- Gene Expression/immunology
- Glioma/immunology
- Glioma/metabolism
- Glioma/pathology
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/genetics
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/immunology
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/metabolism
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Models, Biological
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C/immunology
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C/metabolism
- Protein Binding/drug effects
- Protein Binding/immunology
- Protein Interaction Maps/immunology
- Proteomics/methods
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Tandem Mass Spectrometry
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays/methods
- HLA-E Antigens
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi He
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of People's Liberation Army Chengdu Military Region, Chengdu 610083, China
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20
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Wang C, Tang Z, Zhao Y, Yao R, Li L, Sun W. Three-dimensional
in vitro
cancer models: a short review. Biofabrication 2014; 6:022001. [DOI: 10.1088/1758-5082/6/2/022001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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21
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Busse A, Letsch A, Fusi A, Nonnenmacher A, Stather D, Ochsenreither S, Regenbrecht CRA, Keilholz U. Characterization of small spheres derived from various solid tumor cell lines: are they suitable targets for T cells? Clin Exp Metastasis 2013; 30:781-91. [PMID: 23519726 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-013-9578-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
T cell based immunotherapy has been investigated in a variety of malignancies and analyses have been mostly founded on in vitro data with tumor cell monolayers. However, three-dimensional (3D) culture models might mimic more closely the 'in vivo' conditions than 2D monolayers. Therefore, we analyzed the expression of tumor-associated antigens (TAA) and of molecules involved in antigen processing and presentation (APM) in tumor spheres, which served as an in vitro model for micrometastasis which might be enriched in tumor propagating cancer stem cells. For enrichment of sphere cells 12 human solid tumor cell lines were cultured in serum-free medium. Expression of a variety of TAA and APM were analyzed by RT-PCR and/or flow cytometry and compared to expression in corresponding adherent bulk cells grown in regular growth medium. Compared to adherent cells, spheres showed equal or higher mRNA expression levels of LMP2, LMP7 and MECL-1, of TAP1 and TAP2 transporters and, surprisingly, also of TAA including differentiation antigens. However, downregulation or loss of HLA-I and HLA-II molecules in spheres was observed in 8 of 10 and 1 of 2 cell lines, respectively, and was unresponsive to stimulation with IFN-γ. Although tumor spheres express TAA and molecules of intracellular antigen processing, they are defective in antigen presentation due to downregulation of HLA surface expression which may lead to immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Busse
- Department of Medicine III, Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Germany,
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22
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Florczyk SJ, Liu G, Kievit FM, Lewis AM, Wu JD, Zhang M. 3D porous chitosan-alginate scaffolds: a new matrix for studying prostate cancer cell-lymphocyte interactions in vitro. Adv Healthc Mater 2012; 1:590-9. [PMID: 23184794 PMCID: PMC3682216 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201100054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Revised: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains palliative. Immunotherapy offers a potentially effective therapy for CRPC; however, its advancement into the clinic has been slow, in part because of the lack of representative in vitro tumor models that resemble the in vivo tumor microenvironment for studying interactions of CRPC cells with immune cells and other potential therapeutics. This study evaluates the use of 3D porous chitosan-alginate (CA) scaffolds for culturing human prostate cancer (PCa) cells and studying tumor cell interaction with human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) ex vivo. CA scaffolds and Matrigel matrix samples support in vitro tumor spheroid formation over 15 d of culture, and CA scaffolds support live-cell fluorescence imaging with confocal microscopy using stably transfected PCa cells for 55 d. PCa cells grown in Matrigel matrix and CA scaffolds for 15 d are co-cultured with PBLs for 2 and 6 d in vitro and evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometry. Both the Matrigel matrix and CA scaffolds support interaction of PBLs with PCa tumors, with CA scaffolds providing a more robust platform for subsequent analyses. This study demonstrates the use of 3D natural polymer scaffolds as a tissue culture model for supporting long-term analysis of interaction of prostate cancer tumor cells with immune cells, providing an in vitro platform for rapid immunotherapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J. Florczyk
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, 302L Roberts Hall, Box 352120, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Forrest M. Kievit
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, 302L Roberts Hall, Box 352120, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Allison M. Lewis
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, 302L Roberts Hall, Box 352120, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jennifer D. Wu
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Miqin Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, 302L Roberts Hall, Box 352120, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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23
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Weiswald LB, Guinebretière JM, Richon S, Bellet D, Saubaméa B, Dangles-Marie V. In situ protein expression in tumour spheres: development of an immunostaining protocol for confocal microscopy. BMC Cancer 2010; 10:106. [PMID: 20307308 PMCID: PMC2851689 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-10-106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multicellular tumour sphere models have been shown to closely mimic phenotype characteristics of in vivo solid tumours, or to allow in vitro propagation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are usually characterized by the expression of specific membrane markers using flow cytometry (FC) after enzymatic dissociation. Consequently, the spatial location of positive cells within spheres is not documented. Confocal microscopy is the best technique for the imaging of thick biological specimens after multi-labelling but suffers from poor antibody penetration. Thus, we describe here a new protocol for in situ confocal imaging of protein expression in intact spheroids. Methods Protein expression in whole spheroids (150 μm in diameter) from two human colon cancer cell lines, HT29 and CT320X6, has been investigated with confocal immunostaining, then compared with profiles obtained through paraffin immunohistochemistry (pIHC) and FC. Target antigens, relevant for colon cancer and with different expression patterns, have been studied. Results We first demonstrate that our procedure overcomes the well-known problem of antibody penetration in compact structures by performing immunostaining of EpCAM, a membrane protein expressed by all cells within our spheroids. EpCAM expression is detected in all cells, even the deepest ones. Likewise, antibody access is confirmed with CK20 and CD44 immunostaining. Confocal imaging shows that 100% of cells express β-catenin, mainly present in the plasma membrane with also cytoplasmic and nuclear staining, in agreement with FC and pIHC data. pIHC and confocal imaging show similar CA 19-9 cytoplasmic and membranar expression profile in a cell subpopulation. CA 19-9+ cell count confirms confocal imaging as a highly sensitive method (75%, 62% and 51%, for FC, confocal imaging and pIHC, respectively). Finally, confocal imaging reveals that the weak expression of CD133, a putative colon CSC marker, is restricted to the luminal cell surface of colorectal cancer acini, with CD133+ cellular debris into glandular lumina. Conclusion The present protocol enables in situ visualization of protein expression in compact three-dimensional models by whole mount confocal imaging, allowing the accurate localization and quantification of cells expressing specific markers. It should prove useful to study rare events like CSCs within tumour spheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Bastien Weiswald
- IFR71 Sciences du Médicament, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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24
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Feder-Mengus C, Ghosh S, Reschner A, Martin I, Spagnoli GC. New dimensions in tumor immunology: what does 3D culture reveal? Trends Mol Med 2008; 14:333-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2008.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2008] [Revised: 06/06/2008] [Accepted: 06/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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25
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Feder-Mengus C, Ghosh S, Weber WP, Wyler S, Zajac P, Terracciano L, Oertli D, Heberer M, Martin I, Spagnoli GC, Reschner A. Multiple mechanisms underlie defective recognition of melanoma cells cultured in three-dimensional architectures by antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Br J Cancer 2007; 96:1072-82. [PMID: 17342088 PMCID: PMC2360115 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells' growth in three-dimensional (3D) architectures promotes resistance to drugs, cytokines, or irradiation. We investigated effects of 3D culture as compared to monolayers (2D) on melanoma cells' recognition by tumour-associated antigen (TAA)-specific HLA-A(*)0201-restricted cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL). Culture of HBL, D10 (both HLA-A(*)0201+, TAA+) and NA8 (HLA-A(*)0201+, TAA-) melanoma cells on polyHEMA-coated plates, resulted in generation of 3D multicellular tumour spheroids (MCTS). Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production by HLA-A(*)0201-restricted Melan-A/MART-1(27-35) or gp 100(280-288)-specific CTL clones served as immunorecognition marker. Co-culture with melanoma MCTS, resulted in defective TAA recognition by CTL as compared to 2D as witnessed by decreased IFN-gamma production and decreased Fas Ligand, perforin and granzyme B gene expression. A multiplicity of mechanisms were potentially involved. First, MCTS per se limit CTL capacity of recognising HLA class I restricted antigens by reducing exposed cell surfaces. Second, expression of melanoma differentiation antigens is downregulated in MCTS. Third, expression of HLA class I molecules can be downregulated in melanoma MCTS, possibly due to decreased interferon-regulating factor-1 gene expression. Fourth, lactic acid production is increased in MCTS, as compared to 2D. These data suggest that melanoma cells growing in 3D, even in the absence of immune selection, feature characteristics capable of dramatically inhibiting TAA recognition by specific CTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Feder-Mengus
- ICFS, Departments of Surgery and Research, Basel University Hospital, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
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26
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Ghosh S, Rosenthal R, Zajac P, Weber WP, Oertli D, Heberer M, Martin I, Spagnoli GC, Reschner A. Culture of melanoma cells in 3-dimensional architectures results in impaired immunorecognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for Melan-A/MART-1 tumor-associated antigen. Ann Surg 2006; 242:851-7, discussion 858. [PMID: 16327495 PMCID: PMC1409875 DOI: 10.1097/01.sla.0000189571.84213.b0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of the culture of melanoma cells in 3-dimensional (3D) architectures on their immunorecognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specific for tumor-associated antigens. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Growth in 3D architectures has been shown to promote the resistance of cancers to treatment with drugs, cytokines, or irradiation, thereby potentially playing an important role in tumor expansion. We investigated the effects of 3D culture on the recognition of melanoma cells by antigen-specific HLA class I-restricted CTLs. METHODS Culture of HBL melanoma cells expressing Melan-A/Mart-1 tumor-associated antigen and HLA-A0201 on poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (polyHEMA)-coated plates resulted in the generation of aggregates of 400- to 500-microm diameters containing on average 30,000 cells and characterized by slower proliferation, as compared with monolayer (2-dimensional) cultures. HLA-A0201 restricted Melan-A/Mart-127-35-specific CTL clones were used to evaluate tumor cell immunorecognition measured as specific IFN-gamma production. Comparative gene and protein expression in 2D and 3D cultures was studied by real-time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. Overall differences in gene expression profiles between 2D and 3D cultures were evaluated by high-density oligonucleotide array hybridization. RESULTS HLA-A0201 restricted Melan-A/Mart-127-35 specific CTL clones produced high amounts of IFN-gamma upon short-term (4-24 hours) coincubation with HBL cells cultured in 2D but not in 3D, thus suggesting altered antigen recognition. Indeed, Melan-A/Mart-1 expression, at both gene and protein levels, was significantly decreased in 3D as compared with 2D cultures. Concomitantly, a parallel decrease of HLA class I molecule expression was also observed. Differential gene profiling studies on HBL cells showed an increased expression of genes encoding molecules involved in intercellular adhesion, such as junctional adhesion molecule 2 and cadherin-like 1 (>20- and 8-fold up-regulated, respectively) in 3D as compared with 2D cultures. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data suggest that mere growth of melanoma cells in 3D architectures, in the absence of immunoselective pressure, may result in defective recognition by tumor-associated antigen-specific CTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourabh Ghosh
- Institut für Chirurgische Forschung und Spitalmanagement and Departement Forschung, University of Basel, 20 Hebelstrasse, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
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Abstract
AIM: To study the role of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) in biological behaviors of gallbladder carcinoma, and their correlated action and mechanism in tumor escape.
METHODS: Streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase immunohisto-chemistry technique was used to study the expression of Fas and FasL protein in 26 gallbladder carcinoma tissues, 18 gallbladder adenoma tissues, 3 gallbladder dysplasia tissues and 20 chronic cholecystitis tissues. Apoptosis of the infiltrating lymphocytes in these tissues was studied by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. Expression of both proteins and apoptosis of the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in cancer tissues of primary foci was compared with clinicopathological features of gallbladder carcinoma.
RESULTS: The positive rates of Fas were not significantly different among carcinoma, adenoma, dysplasia and chronic cholecystitis. The positive rate of FasL in carcinoma was significantly higher than that in chronic cholecystitis (χ2 = 4.89, P<0.05). The apoptotic index (AI) in carcinoma was significantly higher than that in adenoma (t’ = 4.19, P<0.01) and chronic cholecystitis (t’ = 8.06, P<0.01). The AI was significantly lower in well-differentiated carcinoma and Nevin I-III carcinoma than that in poorly-differentiated carcinoma (t’ = 2.63, P<0.05) and Nevin IV-V carcinoma (t’ = 3.33, P<0.01). The confidence interval (CI) of infiltrating lymphocytes in adenoma, chronic cholecystitis, well-differentiated carcinoma and Nevin I-III carcinoma was very significantly lower than that in carcinoma (t’ = 6.99, P<0.01), adenoma (t’ = 3.66, P<0.01), poorly-differentiated carcinoma (t’ = 5.31, P<0.01) and Nevin IV-V carcinoma (t’ = 3.76, P<0.01), respectively. The CI of apoptosis of infiltrating lymphocytes in well-differentiated carcinoma was significantly lower than that in poorly-differentiated carcinoma (t = 2.52, P<0.05), and was not significantly lower in Nevin I-III carcinoma than in Nevin IV-V carcinoma (t = 1.42, P>0.05). Apoptosis of infiltrating lymphocytes was not discovered in adenoma and chronic cholecystitis.
CONCLUSION: FasL expressed in gallbladder carcinoma cells permits tumor cells to escape from immune surveillance of organism by inducing apoptosis in infiltrating lymphocytes of carcinoma tissues. Up-regulation of FasL expression plays an important role in invasive depth, histological classification and metastasis of gallbladder carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ning Xu
- Department of General Surgery of Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
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Chouaib S, Thiery J, Gati A, Guerra N, El Behi M, Dorothée G, Mami-Chouaib F, Bellet D, Caignard A. Tumor escape from killing: role of killer inhibitory receptors and acquisition of tumor resistance to cell death. TISSUE ANTIGENS 2002; 60:273-81. [PMID: 12472656 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-0039.2002.600401.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy of cancer has always been a very attractive fourth-modality therapeutic approach. Over the past few years, advances in the identification of tumor antigens have offered new perspectives and provided new opportunities for more accurate immunotherapy for cancer. However, when applied to patients with established tumors, it rarely leads to an objective response. This is partly due to the fact that tumors evade host immunity at both the induction and effector phases. Thus, understanding tumor escape mechanisms may be the key to successful immunotherapy for cancer. In the present review, we will focus on how the expression of killer Ig receptors (KIR) on tumor infiltrating lymphocytes can compromise their function and how tumors evade apoptotic death - two additional mechanisms of tumor escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Chouaib
- Inserm U487, IFR 54, Institut Gustave Roussy, France.
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