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Morrison AI, Sjoerds MJ, Vonk LA, Gibbs S, Koning JJ. In vitro immunity: an overview of immunocompetent organ-on-chip models. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1373186. [PMID: 38835750 PMCID: PMC11148285 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1373186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Impressive advances have been made to replicate human physiology in vitro over the last few years due to the growth of the organ-on-chip (OoC) field in both industrial and academic settings. OoCs are a type of microphysiological system (MPS) that imitates functional and dynamic aspects of native human organ biology on a microfluidic device. Organoids and organotypic models, ranging in their complexity from simple single-cell to complex multi-cell type constructs, are being incorporated into OoC microfluidic devices to better mimic human physiology. OoC technology has now progressed to the stage at which it has received official recognition by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an alternative to standard procedures in drug development, such as animal studies and traditional in vitro assays. However, an area that is still lagging behind is the incorporation of the immune system, which is a critical element required to investigate human health and disease. In this review, we summarise the progress made to integrate human immunology into various OoC systems, specifically focusing on models related to organ barriers and lymphoid organs. These models utilise microfluidic devices that are either commercially available or custom-made. This review explores the difference between the use of innate and adaptive immune cells and their role for modelling organ-specific diseases in OoCs. Immunocompetent multi-OoC models are also highlighted and the extent to which they recapitulate systemic physiology is discussed. Together, the aim of this review is to describe the current state of immune-OoCs, the limitations and the future perspectives needed to improve the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew I Morrison
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Inflammatory Diseases, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mirthe J Sjoerds
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Leander A Vonk
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Inflammatory Diseases, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jasper J Koning
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Inflammatory Diseases, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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2
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Wang X, Luo Y, Ma Y, Wang P, Yao R. Converging bioprinting and organoids to better recapitulate the tumor microenvironment. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:648-663. [PMID: 38071145 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Bioprinting shows excellent potential for preclinical tumor modeling, with significant advantages over 2D cell cultures in replicating the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recently, the use of tumor organoids in bioprinting models has emerged as a groundbreaking approach to simulate volumetric tumor tissues. This synergetic fabrication method leverages the advantages of the spatial and geometric control of bioprinting to assemble heterogeneous TME components, while tumor organoids maintain collective cell behaviors. In this review, we provide a landscape of the latest progress on the convergence of 3D bioprinting and tumor organoids. Furthermore, we discuss the potential to incorporate organ-on-a-chip with bioprinting tumor organoids to improve the biomimicry and predictability of therapeutic performance. Lastly, we address the challenges to personalized medicine and predictive clinical integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology of Ministry of Education, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yixue Luo
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology of Ministry of Education, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuankai Ma
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology of Ministry of Education, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Pengyu Wang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology of Ministry of Education, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Rui Yao
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology of Ministry of Education, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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3
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Kantawala B, Shariff S, Ramadan N, Fawaz V, Hassan Y, Mugisha N, Yenkoyan K, Nazir A, Uwishema O. Revolutionizing neurotherapeutics: blood-brain barrier-on-a-chip technologies for precise drug delivery. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:2794-2804. [PMID: 38694300 PMCID: PMC11060226 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical neurovascular unit regulating substances' passage from the bloodstream to the brain. Its selective permeability poses significant challenges in drug delivery for neurological disorders. Conventional methods often fail due to the BBB's complex structure. Aim The study aims to shed light on their pivotal role in revolutionizing neurotherapeutics and explores the transformative potential of BBB-on-a-Chip technologies in drug delivery research to comprehensively review BBB-on-a-chip technologies, focusing on their design, and substantiate advantages over traditional models. Methods A detailed analysis of existing literature and experimental data pertaining to BBB-on-a-Chip technologies was conducted. Various models, their physiological relevance, and innovative design considerations were examined through databases like Scopus, EbscoHost, PubMed Central, and Medline. Case studies demonstrating enhanced drug transport through BBB-on-a-Chip models were also reviewed, highlighting their potential impact on neurological disorders. Results BBB-on-a-Chip models offer a revolutionary approach, accurately replicating BBB properties. These microphysiological systems enable high-throughput screening, real-time monitoring of drug transport, and precise localization of drugs. Case studies demonstrate their efficacy in enhancing drug penetration, offering potential therapies for diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Conclusion BBB-on-a-Chip models represent a transformative milestone in drug delivery research. Their ability to replicate BBB complexities, offer real-time monitoring, and enhance drug transport holds immense promise for neurological disorders. Continuous research and development are imperative to unlock BBB-on-a-Chip models' full potential, ushering in a new era of targeted, efficient, and safer drug therapies for challenging neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burhan Kantawala
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Centre
| | - Sanobar Shariff
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Centre
| | - Nagham Ramadan
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education
- Faculty of Medicine
| | - Violette Fawaz
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youmna Hassan
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Ahfad University for Women, Omdurman, Sudan
| | - Nadine Mugisha
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education
- Faculty of Global Surgery, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Konstantin Yenkoyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Centre
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University named after Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Abubakar Nazir
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
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4
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Gaebler D, Hachey SJ, Hughes CCW. Microphysiological systems as models for immunologically 'cold' tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1389012. [PMID: 38711620 PMCID: PMC11070549 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1389012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a diverse milieu of cells including cancerous and non-cancerous cells such as fibroblasts, pericytes, endothelial cells and immune cells. The intricate cellular interactions within the TME hold a central role in shaping the dynamics of cancer progression, influencing pivotal aspects such as tumor initiation, growth, invasion, response to therapeutic interventions, and the emergence of drug resistance. In immunologically 'cold' tumors, the TME is marked by a scarcity of infiltrating immune cells, limited antigen presentation in the absence of potent immune-stimulating signals, and an abundance of immunosuppressive factors. While strategies targeting the TME as a therapeutic avenue in 'cold' tumors have emerged, there is a pressing need for novel approaches that faithfully replicate the complex cellular and non-cellular interactions in order to develop targeted therapies that can effectively stimulate immune responses and improve therapeutic outcomes in patients. Microfluidic devices offer distinct advantages over traditional in vitro 3D co-culture models and in vivo animal models, as they better recapitulate key characteristics of the TME and allow for precise, controlled insights into the dynamic interplay between various immune, stromal and cancerous cell types at any timepoint. This review aims to underscore the pivotal role of microfluidic systems in advancing our understanding of the TME and presents current microfluidic model systems that aim to dissect tumor-stromal, tumor-immune and immune-stromal cellular interactions in various 'cold' tumors. Understanding the intricacies of the TME in 'cold' tumors is crucial for devising effective targeted therapies to reinvigorate immune responses and overcome the challenges of current immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gaebler
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie J. Hachey
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Christopher C. W. Hughes
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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5
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Jouybar M, de Winde CM, Wolf K, Friedl P, Mebius RE, den Toonder JMJ. Cancer-on-chip models for metastasis: importance of the tumor microenvironment. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:431-448. [PMID: 37914546 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-on-chip (CoC) models, based on microfluidic chips harboring chambers for 3D tumor-cell culture, enable us to create a controlled tumor microenvironment (TME). CoC models are therefore increasingly used to systematically study effects of the TME on the various steps in cancer metastasis. Moreover, CoC models have great potential for developing novel cancer therapies and for predicting patient-specific response to cancer treatments. We review recent developments in CoC models, focusing on three main TME components: (i) the anisotropic extracellular matrix (ECM) architectures, (ii) the vasculature, and (iii) the immune system. We aim to provide guidance to biologists to choose the best CoC approach for addressing questions about the role of the TME in metastasis, and to inspire engineers to develop novel CoC technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Jouybar
- Microsystems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte M de Winde
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology & Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology & Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katarina Wolf
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Friedl
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Cancer Genomics Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Reina E Mebius
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology & Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology & Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Inflammatory diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap M J den Toonder
- Microsystems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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6
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Giannitelli SM, Peluzzi V, Raniolo S, Roscilli G, Trombetta M, Mozetic P, Rainer A. On-chip recapitulation of the tumor microenvironment: A decade of progress. Biomaterials 2024; 306:122482. [PMID: 38301325 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
One of the hurdles to the development of new anticancer therapies is the lack of in vitro models which faithfully reproduce the in vivo tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the dynamic relationships between the components of the TME in a controllable, scalable, and reliable setting would indeed support the discovery of biological targets impacting cancer diagnosis and therapy. Cancer research is increasingly shifting from traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture toward three-dimensional (3D) culture models, which have been demonstrated to increase the significance and predictive value of in vitro data. In this scenario, microphysiological systems (also known as organs-on-chip) have emerged as a relevant technological platform enabling more predictive investigation of cell-cell and cell-ECM interplay in cancer, attracting a significant research effort in the last years. This review illustrates one decade of progress in the field of tumor-microenvironment-on-chip (TMOC) approaches, exploiting either cell-laden microfluidic chambers or microfluidic confined tumor spheroids to model the TME. TMOCs have been designed to recapitulate several aspects of the TME, including tumor cells, the tumor-associated stroma, the immune system, and the vascular component. Significantly, the last aspect has emerged for its pivotal role in orchestrating cellular interactions and modulating drug pharmacokinetics on-chip. A further advancement has been represented by integration of TMOCs into multi-organ microphysiological systems, with the final aim to follow the metastatic cascade to target organs and to study the effects of chemotherapies at a systemic level. We highlight that the increased degree of complexity achieved by the most advanced TMOC models has enabled scientists to shed new light on the role of microenvironmental factors in tumor progression, metastatic cascade, and response to drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Giannitelli
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - V Peluzzi
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - S Raniolo
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - G Roscilli
- Takis s.r.l., Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - M Trombetta
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - P Mozetic
- Institute of Nanotechnology (NANOTEC), National Research Council, via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
| | - A Rainer
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, via Álvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Rome, Italy.
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7
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Tronolone JJ, Mohamed N, Jain A. Engineering Lymphangiogenesis-On-Chip: The Independent and Cooperative Regulation by Biochemical Factors, Gradients, and Interstitial Fluid Flow. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2400031. [PMID: 38400704 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202400031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Despite the crucial role of lymphangiogenesis during development and in several diseases with implications for tissue regeneration, immunity, and cancer, there are significantly fewer tools to understand this process relative to angiogenesis. While there has been a major surge in modeling angiogenesis with microphysiological systems, they have not been rigorously optimized or standardized to enable the recreation of the dynamics of lymphangiogenesis. Here, a Lymphangiogenesis-Chip (L-Chip) is engineered, within which new sprouts form and mature depending upon the imposition of interstitial flow, growth factor gradients, and pre-conditioning of endothelial cells with growth factors. The L-Chip reveals the independent and combinatorial effects of these mechanical and biochemical determinants of lymphangiogenesis, thus ultimately resulting in sprouts emerging from a parent vessel and maturing into tubular structures up to 1 mm in length within 4 days, exceeding prior art. Further, when the constitution of the pre-conditioning cocktail and the growth factor cocktail used to initiate and promote lymphangiogenesis are dissected, it is found that endocan (ESM-1) results in more dominant lymphangiogenesis relative to angiogenesis. Therefore, The L-Chip provides a foundation for standardizing the microfluidics assays specific to lymphangiogenesis and for accelerating its basic and translational science at par with angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Tronolone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Nadin Mohamed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Abhishek Jain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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8
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Joshi IM, Mansouri M, Ahmed A, De Silva D, Simon RA, Esmaili P, Desa DE, Elias TM, Brown EB, Abhyankar VV. Microengineering 3D Collagen Matrices with Tumor-Mimetic Gradients in Fiber Alignment. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2024; 34:2308071. [PMID: 38706986 PMCID: PMC11067715 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202308071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Collagen fibers in the 3D tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibit complex alignment landscapes that are critical in directing cell migration through a process called contact guidance. Previous in vitro work studying this phenomenon has focused on quantifying cell responses in uniformly aligned environments. However, the TME also features short-range gradients in fiber alignment that result from cell-induced traction forces. Although the influence of graded biophysical taxis cues is well established, cell responses to physiological alignment gradients remain largely unexplored. In this work, fiber alignment gradients in biopsy samples are characterized and recreated using a new microfluidic biofabrication technique to achieve tunable sub-millimeter to millimeter scale gradients. This study represents the first successful engineering of continuous alignment gradients in soft, natural biomaterials. Migration experiments on graded alignment show that HUVECs exhibit increased directionality, persistence, and speed compared to uniform and unaligned fiber architectures. Similarly, patterned MDA-MB-231 aggregates exhibit biased migration toward increasing fiber alignment, suggesting a role for alignment gradients as a taxis cue. This user-friendly approach, requiring no specialized equipment, is anticipated to offer new insights into the biophysical cues that cells interpret as they traverse the extracellular matrix, with broad applicability in healthy and diseased tissue environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil M. Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Mehran Mansouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Adeel Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Dinindu De Silva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Richard A. Simon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Poorya Esmaili
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Danielle E. Desa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Tresa M. Elias
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Edward B. Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Vinay V. Abhyankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
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Mittelheisser V, Gensbittel V, Bonati L, Li W, Tang L, Goetz JG. Evidence and therapeutic implications of biomechanically regulated immunosurveillance in cancer and other diseases. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:281-297. [PMID: 38286876 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01535-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Disease progression is usually accompanied by changes in the biochemical composition of cells and tissues and their biophysical properties. For instance, hallmarks of cancer include the stiffening of tissues caused by extracellular matrix remodelling and the softening of individual cancer cells. In this context, accumulating evidence has shown that immune cells sense and respond to mechanical signals from the environment. However, the mechanisms regulating these mechanical aspects of immune surveillance remain partially understood. The growing appreciation for the 'mechano-immunology' field has urged researchers to investigate how immune cells sense and respond to mechanical cues in various disease settings, paving the way for the development of novel engineering strategies that aim at mechanically modulating and potentiating immune cells for enhanced immunotherapies. Recent pioneer developments in this direction have laid the foundations for leveraging 'mechanical immunoengineering' strategies to treat various diseases. This Review first outlines the mechanical changes occurring during pathological progression in several diseases, including cancer, fibrosis and infection. We next highlight the mechanosensitive nature of immune cells and how mechanical forces govern the immune responses in different diseases. Finally, we discuss how targeting the biomechanical features of the disease milieu and immune cells is a promising strategy for manipulating therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Mittelheisser
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valentin Gensbittel
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucia Bonati
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Weilin Li
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Li Tang
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Jacky G Goetz
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France.
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.
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10
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Bayona C, Alza L, Ranđelović T, Sallán MC, Visa A, Cantí C, Ochoa I, Oliván S, Herreros J. Tetralol derivative NNC-55-0396 targets hypoxic cells in the glioblastoma microenvironment: an organ-on-chip approach. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:127. [PMID: 38341408 PMCID: PMC10858941 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06492-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant brain tumour characterised by limited treatment options and poor prognosis. The tumour microenvironment, particularly the central hypoxic region of the tumour, is known to play a pivotal role in GBM progression. Cells within this region adapt to hypoxia by stabilising transcription factor HIF1-α, which promotes cell proliferation, dedifferentiation and chemoresistance. In this study we sought to examine the effects of NNC-55-0396, a tetralol compound which overactivates the unfolded protein response inducing apoptosis, using the organ-on-chip technology. We identified an increased sensitivity of the hypoxic core of the chip to NNC, which correlates with decreasing levels of HIF1-α in vitro. Moreover, NNC blocks the macroautophagic process that is unleashed by hypoxia as revealed by increased levels of autophagosomal constituent LC3-II and autophagy chaperone p62/SQSTM1. The specific effects of NNC in the hypoxic microenvironment unveil additional anti-cancer abilities of this compound and further support investigations on its use in combined therapies against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Bayona
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Lía Alza
- Calcium Cell Signaling, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Teodora Ranđelović
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta C Sallán
- Calcium Cell Signaling, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Anna Visa
- Calcium Cell Signaling, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Carles Cantí
- Calcium Cell Signaling, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Oliván
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Judit Herreros
- Calcium Cell Signaling, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
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11
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Zhu L, Tang Q, Mao Z, Chen H, Wu L, Qin Y. Microfluidic-based platforms for cell-to-cell communication studies. Biofabrication 2023; 16:012005. [PMID: 38035370 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad1116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular communication is critical to the understanding of human health and disease progression. However, compared to traditional methods with inefficient analysis, microfluidic co-culture technologies developed for cell-cell communication research can reliably analyze crucial biological processes, such as cell signaling, and monitor dynamic intercellular interactions under reproducible physiological cell co-culture conditions. Moreover, microfluidic-based technologies can achieve precise spatial control of two cell types at the single-cell level with high throughput. Herein, this review focuses on recent advances in microfluidic-based 2D and 3D devices developed to confine two or more heterogeneous cells in the study of intercellular communication and decipher the advantages and limitations of these models in specific cellular research scenarios. This review will stimulate the development of more functionalized microfluidic platforms for biomedical research, inspiring broader interests across various disciplines to better comprehend cell-cell communication and other fields, such as tumor heterogeneity and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lvyang Zhu
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qu Tang
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Mao
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanhuan Chen
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wu
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuling Qin
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Public Health and Medical Analysis, School of Public Health, Nantong University, No. 9, Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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12
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Pierantoni L, Reis RL, Silva-Correia J, Oliveira JM, Heavey S. Spatial -omics technologies: the new enterprise in 3D breast cancer models. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1488-1500. [PMID: 37544843 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The fields of tissue bioengineering, -omics, and spatial biology are advancing rapidly, each offering the opportunity for a paradigm shift in breast cancer research. However, to date, collaboration between these fields has not reached its full potential. In this review, we describe the most recently generated 3D breast cancer models regarding the biomaterials and technological platforms employed. Additionally, their biological evaluation is reported, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Specifically, we focus on the most up-to-date -omics and spatial biology techniques, which can generate a deeper understanding of the biological relevance of bioengineered 3D breast cancer in vitro models, thus paving the way towards truly clinically relevant microphysiological systems, improved drug development success rates, and personalised medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Pierantoni
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana Silva-Correia
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joaquim M Oliveira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Susan Heavey
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
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13
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Nguyen HT, Gurvich N, Gillrie MR, Offeddu G, Humayun M, Kan EL, Wan Z, Coughlin MF, Zhang C, Vu V, Lee SWL, Tan SL, Barbie D, Hsu J, Kamm RD. Patient-Specific Vascularized Tumor Model: Blocking TAM Recruitment with Multispecific Antibodies Targeting CCR2 and CSF-1R. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.28.568627. [PMID: 38076998 PMCID: PMC10705378 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.28.568627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated inflammation drives cancer progression and therapy resistance, with the infiltration of monocyte-derived tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) associated with poor prognosis in diverse cancers. Targeting TAMs holds potential against solid tumors, but effective immunotherapies require testing on immunocompetent human models prior to clinical trials. Here, we develop an in vitro model of microvascular networks that incorporates tumor spheroids or patient tissues. By perfusing the vasculature with human monocytes, we investigate monocyte trafficking into the tumor and evaluate immunotherapies targeting the human tumor microenvironment. Our findings demonstrate that macrophages in vascularized breast and lung tumor models can enhance monocyte recruitment via TAM-produced CCL7 and CCL2, mediated by CSF-1R. Additionally, we assess a novel multispecific antibody targeting CCR2, CSF-1R, and neutralizing TGF-β, referred to as CSF1R/CCR2/TGF-β Ab, on monocytes and macrophages using our 3D models. This antibody repolarizes TAMs towards an anti-tumoral M1-like phenotype, reduces monocyte chemoattractant protein secretion, and effectively blocks monocyte migration. Finally, we show that the CSF1R/CCR2/TGF-β Ab inhibits monocyte recruitment in patient-specific vascularized tumor models. Overall, this vascularized tumor model offers valuable insights into monocyte recruitment and enables functional testing of innovative therapeutic antibodies targeting TAMs in the tumor microenvironment (TME).
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Affiliation(s)
- Huu Tuan Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Nadia Gurvich
- Marengo Therapeutics, 840 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Mark Robert Gillrie
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Giovanni Offeddu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Mouhita Humayun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Ellen L. Kan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Zhengpeng Wan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Mark Frederick Coughlin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Christie Zhang
- Marengo Therapeutics, 840 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Vivian Vu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Sharon Wei Ling Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Seng-Lai Tan
- Marengo Therapeutics, 840 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - David 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
| | - Jonathan Hsu
- Marengo Therapeutics, 840 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
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14
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Chen SW, Blazeski A, Zhang S, Shelton SE, Offeddu GS, Kamm RD. Development of a perfusable, hierarchical microvasculature-on-a-chip model. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4552-4564. [PMID: 37771308 PMCID: PMC10563829 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00512g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Several methods have been developed for generating 3D, in vitro, organ-on-chip models of human vasculature to study vascular function, transport, and tissue engineering. However, many of these existing models lack the hierarchical nature of the arterial-to-capillary-to-venous architecture that is key to capturing a more comprehensive view of the human microvasculature. Here, we present a perfusable, multi-compartmental model that recapitulates the three microvascular compartments to assess various physiological properties such as vessel permeability, vasoconstriction dynamics, and circulating cell arrest and extravasation. Viscous finger patterning and passive pumping create the larger arterial and venular lumens, while the smaller diameter capillary bed vessels are generated through self-assembly. These compartments anastomose and form a perfusable, hierarchical system that portrays the directionality of blood flow through the microvasculature. The addition of collagen channels reduces the apparent permeability of the central capillary region, likely by reducing leakage from the side channels, enabling more accurate measurements of vascular permeability-an important motivation for this study. Furthermore, the model permits modulation of fluid flow and shear stress conditions throughout the system by using hydrostatic pressure heads to apply pressure differentials across either the arteriole or the capillary. This is a pertinent system for modeling circulating tumor or T cell dissemination and extravasation. Circulating cells were found to arrest in areas conducive to physical trapping or areas with the least amount of shear stress, consistent with hemodynamic or mechanical theories of metastasis. Overall, this model captures more features of human microvascular beds and is capable of testing a broad variety of hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia W Chen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Adriana Blazeski
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, USA
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, USA
| | - Giovanni S Offeddu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
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15
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Bouquerel C, Dubrova A, Hofer I, Phan DTT, Bernheim M, Ladaigue S, Cavaniol C, Maddalo D, Cabel L, Mechta-Grigoriou F, Wilhelm C, Zalcman G, Parrini MC, Descroix S. Bridging the gap between tumor-on-chip and clinics: a systematic review of 15 years of studies. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:3906-3935. [PMID: 37592893 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00531c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 15 years, the field of oncology research has witnessed significant progress in the development of new cell culture models, such as tumor-on-chip (ToC) systems. In this comprehensive overview, we present a multidisciplinary perspective by bringing together physicists, biologists, clinicians, and experts from pharmaceutical companies to highlight the current state of ToC research, its unique features, and the challenges it faces. To offer readers a clear and quantitative understanding of the ToC field, we conducted an extensive systematic analysis of more than 300 publications related to ToC from 2005 to 2022. ToC offer key advantages over other in vitro models by enabling precise control over various parameters. These parameters include the properties of the extracellular matrix, mechanical forces exerted on cells, the physico-chemical environment, cell composition, and the architecture of the tumor microenvironment. Such fine control allows ToC to closely replicate the complex microenvironment and interactions within tumors, facilitating the study of cancer progression and therapeutic responses in a highly representative manner. Importantly, by incorporating patient-derived cells or tumor xenografts, ToC models have demonstrated promising results in terms of clinical validation. We also examined the potential of ToC for pharmaceutical industries in which ToC adoption is expected to occur gradually. Looking ahead, given the high failure rate of clinical trials and the increasing emphasis on the 3Rs principles (replacement, reduction, refinement of animal experimentation), ToC models hold immense potential for cancer research. In the next decade, data generated from ToC models could potentially be employed for discovering new therapeutic targets, contributing to regulatory purposes, refining preclinical drug testing and reducing reliance on animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Bouquerel
- Macromolécules et Microsystèmes en Biologie et Médecine, UMR 168, Institut Curie, Institut Pierre Gilles de Gennes, 6 rue Jean Calvin, 75005, Paris, France
- Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Inserm, U830, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France
- Fluigent, 67 avenue de Fontainebleau, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Anastasiia Dubrova
- Macromolécules et Microsystèmes en Biologie et Médecine, UMR 168, Institut Curie, Institut Pierre Gilles de Gennes, 6 rue Jean Calvin, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Isabella Hofer
- Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Inserm, U830, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Duc T T Phan
- Biomedicine Design, Pfizer Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Moencopi Bernheim
- Macromolécules et Microsystèmes en Biologie et Médecine, UMR 168, Institut Curie, Institut Pierre Gilles de Gennes, 6 rue Jean Calvin, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Ségolène Ladaigue
- Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Inserm, U830, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Charles Cavaniol
- Macromolécules et Microsystèmes en Biologie et Médecine, UMR 168, Institut Curie, Institut Pierre Gilles de Gennes, 6 rue Jean Calvin, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Danilo Maddalo
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Luc Cabel
- Institut Curie, Department of Medical Oncology, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou
- Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Inserm, U830, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Claire Wilhelm
- Macromolécules et Microsystèmes en Biologie et Médecine, UMR 168, Institut Curie, Institut Pierre Gilles de Gennes, 6 rue Jean Calvin, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Gérard Zalcman
- Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Inserm, U830, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Thoracic Oncology Department, INSERM CIC1425, Bichat Hospital, Cancer Institute AP-HP. Nord, Paris, France.
| | - Maria Carla Parrini
- Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Inserm, U830, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Descroix
- Macromolécules et Microsystèmes en Biologie et Médecine, UMR 168, Institut Curie, Institut Pierre Gilles de Gennes, 6 rue Jean Calvin, 75005, Paris, France
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16
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Kim M, Panagiotakopoulou M, Chen C, Ruiz SB, Ganesh K, Tammela T, Heller DA. Micro-engineering and nano-engineering approaches to investigate tumour ecosystems. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:581-599. [PMID: 37353679 PMCID: PMC10528361 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00593-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
The interactions among tumour cells, the tumour microenvironment (TME) and non-tumour tissues are of interest to many cancer researchers. Micro-engineering approaches and nanotechnologies are under extensive exploration for modelling these interactions and measuring them in situ and in vivo to investigate therapeutic vulnerabilities in cancer and extend a systemic view of tumour ecosystems. Here we highlight the greatest opportunities for improving the understanding of tumour ecosystems using microfluidic devices, bioprinting or organ-on-a-chip approaches. We also discuss the potential of nanosensors that can transmit information from within the TME or elsewhere in the body to address scientific and clinical questions about changes in chemical gradients, enzymatic activities, metabolic and immune profiles of the TME and circulating analytes. This Review aims to connect the cancer biology and engineering communities, presenting biomedical technologies that may expand the methodologies of the former, while inspiring the latter to develop approaches for interrogating cancer ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijin Kim
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Chen Chen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen B Ruiz
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karuna Ganesh
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tuomas Tammela
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel A Heller
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA.
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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17
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Juste-Lanas Y, Hervas-Raluy S, García-Aznar JM, González-Loyola A. Fluid flow to mimic organ function in 3D in vitro models. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:031501. [PMID: 37547671 PMCID: PMC10404142 DOI: 10.1063/5.0146000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many different strategies can be found in the literature to model organ physiology, tissue functionality, and disease in vitro; however, most of these models lack the physiological fluid dynamics present in vivo. Here, we highlight the importance of fluid flow for tissue homeostasis, specifically in vessels, other lumen structures, and interstitium, to point out the need of perfusion in current 3D in vitro models. Importantly, the advantages and limitations of the different current experimental fluid-flow setups are discussed. Finally, we shed light on current challenges and future focus of fluid flow models applied to the newest bioengineering state-of-the-art platforms, such as organoids and organ-on-a-chip, as the most sophisticated and physiological preclinical platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Hervas-Raluy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Research Institute of Aragón (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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18
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Joshi IM, Mansouri M, Ahmed A, Simon RA, Bambizi PE, Desa DE, Elias TM, Brown EB, Abhyankar VV. Microengineering 3D Collagen Matrices with Tumor-Mimetic Gradients in Fiber Alignment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.09.548253. [PMID: 37502844 PMCID: PMC10369918 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.09.548253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment (TME), collagen fibers facilitate tumor cell migration through the extracellular matrix. Previous studies have focused on studying the responses of cells on uniformly aligned or randomly aligned collagen fibers. However, the in vivo environment also features spatial gradients in alignment, which arise from the local reorganization of the matrix architecture due to cell-induced traction forces. Although there has been extensive research on how cells respond to graded biophysical cues, such as stiffness, porosity, and ligand density, the cellular responses to physiological fiber alignment gradients have been largely unexplored. This is due, in part, to a lack of robust experimental techniques to create controlled alignment gradients in natural materials. In this study, we image tumor biopsy samples and characterize the alignment gradients present in the TME. To replicate physiological gradients, we introduce a first-of-its-kind biofabrication technique that utilizes a microfluidic channel with constricting and expanding geometry to engineer 3D collagen hydrogels with tunable fiber alignment gradients that range from sub-millimeter to millimeter length scales. Our modular approach allows easy access to the microengineered gradient gels, and we demonstrate that HUVECs migrate in response to the fiber architecture. We provide preliminary evidence suggesting that MDA-MB-231 cell aggregates, patterned onto a specific location on the alignment gradient, exhibit preferential migration towards increasing alignment. This finding suggests that alignment gradients could serve as an additional taxis cue in the ECM. Importantly, our study represents the first successful engineering of continuous gradients of fiber alignment in soft, natural materials. We anticipate that our user-friendly platform, which needs no specialized equipment, will offer new experimental capabilities to study the impact of fiber-based contact guidance on directed cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil M. Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Mehran Mansouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Adeel Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | - Richard A. Simon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
| | | | - Danielle E. Desa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Tresa M. Elias
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Edward B. Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Vinay V. Abhyankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
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19
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Li W, Zhou Z, Zhou X, Khoo BL, Gunawan R, Chin YR, Zhang L, Yi C, Guan X, Yang M. 3D Biomimetic Models to Reconstitute Tumor Microenvironment In Vitro: Spheroids, Organoids, and Tumor-on-a-Chip. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202609. [PMID: 36917657 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Decades of efforts in engineering in vitro cancer models have advanced drug discovery and the insight into cancer biology. However, the establishment of preclinical models that enable fully recapitulating the tumor microenvironment remains challenging owing to its intrinsic complexity. Recent progress in engineering techniques has allowed the development of a new generation of in vitro preclinical models that can recreate complex in vivo tumor microenvironments and accurately predict drug responses, including spheroids, organoids, and tumor-on-a-chip. These biomimetic 3D tumor models are of particular interest as they pave the way for better understanding of cancer biology and accelerating the development of new anticancer therapeutics with reducing animal use. Here, the recent advances in developing these in vitro platforms for cancer modeling and preclinical drug screening, focusing on incorporating hydrogels are reviewed to reconstitute physiologically relevant microenvironments. The combination of spheroids/organoids with microfluidic technologies is also highlighted to better mimic in vivo tumors and discuss the challenges and future directions in the clinical translation of such models for drug screening and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Li
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Zhihang Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Bee Luan Khoo
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Renardi Gunawan
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Y Rebecca Chin
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Changqing Yi
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Advanced and Portable Medical Devices, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 518107, China
| | - Xinyuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Mengsu Yang
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
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20
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Sotra A, Jozani KA, Zhang B. A vascularized crypt-patterned colon model for high-throughput drug screening and disease modelling. LAB ON A CHIP 2023. [PMID: 37335565 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00211j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
The colon serves as a primary target for pharmaceutical compound screening and disease modelling. To better study colon diseases and develop treatments, engineered in vitro models with colon-specific physiological features are required. Existing colon models lack integration of colonic crypt structures with underlying perfusable vasculature, where vascular-epithelial crosstalk is affected by disease progression. We present a colon epithelium barrier model with vascularized crypts that recapitulates relevant cytokine gradients in both healthy and inflammatory conditions. Using our previously published IFlowPlate384 platform, we initially imprinted crypt topography and populated the patterned scaffold with colon cells. Proliferative colon cells spontaneously localized to the crypt niche and differentiated into epithelial barriers with a tight brush border. Toxicity of the colon cancer drug, capecitabine, was tested and showed a dose-dependent response and recovery from crypt-patterned colon epithelium exclusively. Perfusable microvasculature was then incorporated around the colon crypts followed by treatment with pro-inflammatory TNFα and IFNγ cytokines to simulate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like conditions. We observed in vivo-like stromal basal-to-apical cytokine gradients in tissues with vascularized crypts and gradient reversals upon inflammation. Taken together, we demonstrated crypt topography integrated with underlying perfusable microvasculature has significant value for emulating colon physiology and in advanced disease modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Sotra
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Kimia Asadi Jozani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Boyang Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
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21
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Wu KZ, Adine C, Mitriashkin A, Aw BJJ, Iyer NG, Fong ELS. Making In Vitro Tumor Models Whole Again. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202279. [PMID: 36718949 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
As a reductionist approach, patient-derived in vitro tumor models are inherently still too simplistic for personalized drug testing as they do not capture many characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as tumor architecture and stromal heterogeneity. This is especially problematic for assessing stromal-targeting drugs such as immunotherapies in which the density and distribution of immune and other stromal cells determine drug efficacy. On the other end, in vivo models are typically costly, low-throughput, and time-consuming to establish. Ex vivo patient-derived tumor explant (PDE) cultures involve the culture of resected tumor fragments that potentially retain the intact TME of the original tumor. Although developed decades ago, PDE cultures have not been widely adopted likely because of their low-throughput and poor long-term viability. However, with growing recognition of the importance of patient-specific TME in mediating drug response, especially in the field of immune-oncology, there is an urgent need to resurrect these holistic cultures. In this Review, the key limitations of patient-derived tumor explant cultures are outlined and technologies that have been developed or could be employed to address these limitations are discussed. Engineered holistic tumor explant cultures may truly realize the concept of personalized medicine for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Zhuoran Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Christabella Adine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Aleksandr Mitriashkin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Jun Jie Aw
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - N Gopalakrishna Iyer
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Eliza Li Shan Fong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute (CSI), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
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22
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Van Os L, Engelhardt B, Guenat OT. Integration of immune cells in organs-on-chips: a tutorial. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1191104. [PMID: 37324438 PMCID: PMC10267470 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1191104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral and bacterial infections continue to pose significant challenges for numerous individuals globally. To develop novel therapies to combat infections, more insight into the actions of the human innate and adaptive immune system during infection is necessary. Human in vitro models, such as organs-on-chip (OOC) models, have proven to be a valuable addition to the tissue modeling toolbox. The incorporation of an immune component is needed to bring OOC models to the next level and enable them to mimic complex biological responses. The immune system affects many (patho)physiological processes in the human body, such as those taking place during an infection. This tutorial review introduces the reader to the building blocks of an OOC model of acute infection to investigate recruitment of circulating immune cells into the infected tissue. The multi-step extravasation cascade in vivo is described, followed by an in-depth guide on how to model this process on a chip. Next to chip design, creation of a chemotactic gradient and incorporation of endothelial, epithelial, and immune cells, the review focuses on the hydrogel extracellular matrix (ECM) to accurately model the interstitial space through which extravasated immune cells migrate towards the site of infection. Overall, this tutorial review is a practical guide for developing an OOC model of immune cell migration from the blood into the interstitial space during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette Van Os
- Organs-on-Chip Technologies, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Olivier T. Guenat
- Organs-on-Chip Technologies, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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23
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Nguyen HT, Peirsman A, Tirpakova Z, Mandal K, Vanlauwe F, Maity S, Kawakita S, Khorsandi D, Herculano R, Umemura C, Yilgor C, Bell R, Hanson A, Li S, Nanda HS, Zhu Y, Najafabadi AH, Jucaud V, Barros N, Dokmeci MR, Khademhosseini A. Engineered Vasculature for Cancer Research and Regenerative Medicine. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:978. [PMID: 37241602 PMCID: PMC10221678 DOI: 10.3390/mi14050978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Engineered human tissues created by three-dimensional cell culture of human cells in a hydrogel are becoming emerging model systems for cancer drug discovery and regenerative medicine. Complex functional engineered tissues can also assist in the regeneration, repair, or replacement of human tissues. However, one of the main hurdles for tissue engineering, three-dimensional cell culture, and regenerative medicine is the capability of delivering nutrients and oxygen to cells through the vasculatures. Several studies have investigated different strategies to create a functional vascular system in engineered tissues and organ-on-a-chips. Engineered vasculatures have been used for the studies of angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, as well as drug and cell transports across the endothelium. Moreover, vascular engineering allows the creation of large functional vascular conduits for regenerative medicine purposes. However, there are still many challenges in the creation of vascularized tissue constructs and their biological applications. This review will summarize the latest efforts to create vasculatures and vascularized tissues for cancer research and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huu Tuan Nguyen
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Arne Peirsman
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
- Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zuzana Tirpakova
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Komenskeho 73, 04181 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Kalpana Mandal
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Florian Vanlauwe
- Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Surjendu Maity
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Satoru Kawakita
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Danial Khorsandi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Rondinelli Herculano
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
- Bioengineering & Biomaterials Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Christian Umemura
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Can Yilgor
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Remy Bell
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Adrian Hanson
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Shaopei Li
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Himansu Sekhar Nanda
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
- Biomedical Engineering and Technology Laboratory, PDPM—Indian Institute of Information Technology Design Manufacturing, Jabalpur 482005, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Yangzhi Zhu
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | | | - Vadim Jucaud
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Natan Barros
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | | | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
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24
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Fröhlich E. The Variety of 3D Breast Cancer Models for the Study of Tumor Physiology and Drug Screening. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087116. [PMID: 37108283 PMCID: PMC10139112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and responsible for multiple deaths worldwide. 3D cancer models enable a better representation of tumor physiology than the conventional 2D cultures. This review summarizes the important components of physiologically relevant 3D models and describes the spectrum of 3D breast cancer models, e.g., spheroids, organoids, breast cancer on a chip and bioprinted tissues. The generation of spheroids is relatively standardized and easy to perform. Microfluidic systems allow control over the environment and the inclusion of sensors and can be combined with spheroids or bioprinted models. The strength of bioprinting relies on the spatial control of the cells and the modulation of the extracellular matrix. Except for the predominant use of breast cancer cell lines, the models differ in stromal cell composition, matrices and fluid flow. Organoids are most appropriate for personalized treatment, but all technologies can mimic most aspects of breast cancer physiology. Fetal bovine serum as a culture supplement and Matrigel as a scaffold limit the reproducibility and standardization of the listed 3D models. The integration of adipocytes is needed because they possess an important role in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonore Fröhlich
- Center for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering GmbH, 8010 Graz, Austria
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25
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Nolan J, Pearce OMT, Screen HRC, Knight MM, Verbruggen SW. Organ-on-a-Chip and Microfluidic Platforms for Oncology in the UK. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:635. [PMID: 36765593 PMCID: PMC9913518 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-chip systems are capable of replicating complex tissue structures and physiological phenomena. The fine control of biochemical and biomechanical cues within these microphysiological systems provides opportunities for cancer researchers to build complex models of the tumour microenvironment. Interest in applying organ chips to investigate mechanisms such as metastatsis and to test therapeutics has grown rapidly, and this review draws together the published research using these microfluidic platforms to study cancer. We focus on both in-house systems and commercial platforms being used in the UK for fundamental discovery science and therapeutics testing. We cover the wide variety of cancers being investigated, ranging from common carcinomas to rare sarcomas, as well as secondary cancers. We also cover the broad sweep of different matrix microenvironments, physiological mechanical stimuli and immunological effects being replicated in these models. We examine microfluidic models specifically, rather than organoids or complex tissue or cell co-cultures, which have been reviewed elsewhere. However, there is increasing interest in incorporating organoids, spheroids and other tissue cultures into microfluidic organ chips and this overlap is included. Our review includes a commentary on cancer organ-chip models being developed and used in the UK, including work conducted by members of the UK Organ-on-a-Chip Technologies Network. We conclude with a reflection on the likely future of this rapidly expanding field of oncological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Nolan
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive In Vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Barts Cancer Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UK
| | - Oliver M. T. Pearce
- Barts Cancer Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UK
| | - Hazel R. C. Screen
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive In Vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Martin M. Knight
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive In Vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Stefaan W. Verbruggen
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive In Vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
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26
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Huang CBX, Tu TY. Recent advances in vascularized tumor-on-a-chip. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1150332. [PMID: 37064144 PMCID: PMC10099572 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1150332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The vasculature plays a critical role in cancer progression and metastasis, representing a pivotal aspect in the creation of cancer models. In recent years, the emergence of organ-on-a-chip technology has proven to be a robust tool, capable of replicating in vivo conditions with exceptional spatiotemporal resolution, making it a significant asset in cancer research. This review delves into the latest developments in 3D microfluidic vascularized tumor models and their applications in vitro, focusing on heterotypic cellular interactions, the mechanisms of metastasis, and therapeutic screening. Additionally, the review examines the benefits and drawbacks of these models, as well as the future prospects for their advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ting-Yuan Tu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Ting-Yuan Tu,
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27
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Ngan Ngo TK, Kuo CH, Tu TY. Recent advances in microfluidic-based cancer immunotherapy-on-a-chip strategies. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:011501. [PMID: 36647540 PMCID: PMC9840534 DOI: 10.1063/5.0108792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite several extraordinary improvements in cancer immunotherapy, its therapeutic effectiveness against many distinct cancer types remains mostly limited and requires further study. Different microfluidic-based cancer immunotherapy-on-a-chip (ITOC) systems have been developed to help researchers replicate the tumor microenvironment and immune system. Numerous microfluidic platforms can potentially be used to perform various on-chip activities related to early clinical cancer immunotherapy processes, such as improving immune checkpoint blockade therapy, studying immune cell dynamics, evaluating cytotoxicity, and creating vaccines or organoid models from patient samples. In this review, we summarize the most recent advancements in the development of various microfluidic-based ITOC devices for cancer treatment niches and present future perspectives on microfluidic devices for immunotherapy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Kim Ngan Ngo
- Biomedical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsiang Kuo
- International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yuan Tu
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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28
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Manduca N, Maccafeo E, De Maria R, Sistigu A, Musella M. 3D cancer models: One step closer to in vitro human studies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1175503. [PMID: 37114038 PMCID: PMC10126361 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1175503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is the great breakthrough in cancer treatment as it displayed prolonged progression-free survival over conventional therapies, yet, to date, in only a minority of patients. In order to broad cancer immunotherapy clinical applicability some roadblocks need to be overcome, first among all the lack of preclinical models that faithfully depict the local tumor microenvironment (TME), which is known to dramatically affect disease onset, progression and response to therapy. In this review, we provide the reader with a detailed overview of current 3D models developed to mimick the complexity and the dynamics of the TME, with a focus on understanding why the TME is a major target in anticancer therapy. We highlight the advantages and translational potentials of tumor spheroids, organoids and immune Tumor-on-a-Chip models in disease modeling and therapeutic response, while outlining pending challenges and limitations. Thinking forward, we focus on the possibility to integrate the know-hows of micro-engineers, cancer immunologists, pharmaceutical researchers and bioinformaticians to meet the needs of cancer researchers and clinicians interested in using these platforms with high fidelity for patient-tailored disease modeling and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Manduca
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ester Maccafeo
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario ‘A. Gemelli’ - Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Sistigu
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Martina Musella, ; ; Antonella Sistigu, ;
| | - Martina Musella
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Martina Musella, ; ; Antonella Sistigu, ;
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29
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Gharib G, Bütün İ, Muganlı Z, Kozalak G, Namlı İ, Sarraf SS, Ahmadi VE, Toyran E, van Wijnen AJ, Koşar A. Biomedical Applications of Microfluidic Devices: A Review. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12111023. [PMID: 36421141 PMCID: PMC9688231 DOI: 10.3390/bios12111023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Both passive and active microfluidic chips are used in many biomedical and chemical applications to support fluid mixing, particle manipulations, and signal detection. Passive microfluidic devices are geometry-dependent, and their uses are rather limited. Active microfluidic devices include sensors or detectors that transduce chemical, biological, and physical changes into electrical or optical signals. Also, they are transduction devices that detect biological and chemical changes in biomedical applications, and they are highly versatile microfluidic tools for disease diagnosis and organ modeling. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the significant advances that have been made in the development of microfluidics devices. We will discuss the function of microfluidic devices as micromixers or as sorters of cells and substances (e.g., microfiltration, flow or displacement, and trapping). Microfluidic devices are fabricated using a range of techniques, including molding, etching, three-dimensional printing, and nanofabrication. Their broad utility lies in the detection of diagnostic biomarkers and organ-on-chip approaches that permit disease modeling in cancer, as well as uses in neurological, cardiovascular, hepatic, and pulmonary diseases. Biosensor applications allow for point-of-care testing, using assays based on enzymes, nanozymes, antibodies, or nucleic acids (DNA or RNA). An anticipated development in the field includes the optimization of techniques for the fabrication of microfluidic devices using biocompatible materials. These developments will increase biomedical versatility, reduce diagnostic costs, and accelerate diagnosis time of microfluidics technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Gharib
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Centre (SUNUM), Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces for Nano Diagnostics (EFSUN), Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - İsmail Bütün
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - Zülâl Muganlı
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - Gül Kozalak
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces for Nano Diagnostics (EFSUN), Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - İlayda Namlı
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | | | | | - Erçil Toyran
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - Andre J. van Wijnen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Ali Koşar
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Centre (SUNUM), Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces for Nano Diagnostics (EFSUN), Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA), Çankaya, Ankara 06700, Turkey
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30
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Kim S, Wan Z, Jeon JS, Kamm RD. Microfluidic vascular models of tumor cell extravasation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1052192. [PMID: 36439519 PMCID: PMC9698448 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1052192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging microfluidic disease models have amply demonstrated their value in many fields of cancer research. These in vitro technologies recapitulate key aspects of metastatic cancer, including the process of tumor cell arrest and extravasation at the site of the metastatic tumor. To date, extensive efforts have been made to capture key features of the microvasculature to reconstitute the pre-metastatic niche and investigate dynamic extravasation behaviors using microfluidic systems. In this mini-review, we highlight recent microfluidic vascular models of tumor cell extravasation and explore how this approach contributes to development of in vitro disease models to enhance understanding of metastasis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunggyu Kim
- Mechanobiology Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Biomicrofluidics Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Zhengpeng Wan
- Mechanobiology Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jessie S. Jeon
- Biomicrofluidics Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Mechanobiology Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
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31
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Shojaee P, Mornata F, Deutsch A, Locati M, Hatzikirou H. The impact of tumor associated macrophages on tumor biology under the lens of mathematical modelling: A review. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1050067. [PMID: 36439180 PMCID: PMC9685623 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1050067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we review the role of mathematical modelling to elucidate the impact of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in tumor progression and therapy design. We first outline the biology of TAMs, and its current application in tumor therapies, and their experimental methods that provide insights into tumor cell-macrophage interactions. We then focus on the mechanistic mathematical models describing the role of macrophages as drug carriers, the impact of macrophage polarized activation on tumor growth, and the role of tumor microenvironment (TME) parameters on the tumor-macrophage interactions. This review aims to identify the synergies between biological and mathematical approaches that allow us to translate knowledge on fundamental TAMs biology in addressing current clinical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pejman Shojaee
- Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Federica Mornata
- Leukocyte Biology Lab, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Andreas Deutsch
- Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Massimo Locati
- Leukocyte Biology Lab, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, Universitàdegli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Haralampos Hatzikirou
- Centre for Information Services and High Performance Computing, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Mathematics Department, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Centre (HEIC), Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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32
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Azimian Zavareh V, Rafiee L, Sheikholeslam M, Shariati L, Vaseghi G, Savoji H, Haghjooy Javanmard S. Three-Dimensional in Vitro Models: A Promising Tool To Scale-Up Breast Cancer Research. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:4648-4672. [PMID: 36260561 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Common models used in breast cancer studies, including two-dimensional (2D) cultures and animal models, do not precisely model all aspects of breast tumors. These models do not well simulate the cell-cell and cell-stromal interactions required for normal tumor growth in the body and lake tumor like microenvironment. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are novel approaches to studying breast cancer. They do not have the restrictions of these conventional models and are able to recapitulate the structural architecture, complexity, and specific function of breast tumors and provide similar in vivo responses to therapeutic regimens. These models can be a link between former traditional 2D culture and in vivo models and are necessary for further studies in cancer. This review attempts to summarize the most common 3D in vitro models used in breast cancer studies, including scaffold-free (spheroid and organoid), scaffold-based, and chip-based models, particularly focused on the basic and translational application of these 3D models in drug screening and the tumor microenvironment in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vajihe Azimian Zavareh
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Core Research Facilities (CRF), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Laleh Rafiee
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Mohammadali Sheikholeslam
- Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Biosensor Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Laleh Shariati
- Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Cancer Prevention Research Center, Omid Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Golnaz Vaseghi
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Houman Savoji
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada.,Montreal TransMedTech Institute, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
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Ren J, Wang N, Guo P, Fan Y, Lin F, Wu J. Recent advances in microfluidics-based cell migration research. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:3361-3376. [PMID: 35993877 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00397j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration is crucial for many biological processes, including normal development, immune response, and tissue homeostasis and many pathological processes such as cancer metastasis and wound healing. Microfluidics has revolutionized the research in cell migration since its inception as it reduces the cost of studies and allows precise manipulation of different parameters that affect cell migratory response. Over the past decade, the field has made great strides in many directions, such as techniques for better control of the cellular microenvironment, application-oriented physiological-like models, and machine-assisted cell image analysis methods. Here we review recent developments in the field of microfluidic cell migration through the following aspects: 1) the co-culture models for studying host-pathogen interactions at single-cell resolution; 2) the spatiotemporal manipulation of the chemical gradients guiding cell migration; 3) the organ-on-chip models to study cell transmigration; and 4) the deep learning image processing strategies for cell migration data analysis. We further discuss the challenges, possible improvement and future perspectives of using microfluidic techniques to study cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Ren
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Piao Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yanping Fan
- School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Francis Lin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Jiandong Wu
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Kalashnikov N, Moraes C. Engineering physical microenvironments to study innate immune cell biophysics. APL Bioeng 2022; 6:031504. [PMID: 36156981 PMCID: PMC9492295 DOI: 10.1063/5.0098578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity forms the core of the human body's defense system against infection, injury, and foreign objects. It aims to maintain homeostasis by promoting inflammation and then initiating tissue repair, but it can also lead to disease when dysregulated. Although innate immune cells respond to their physical microenvironment and carry out intrinsically mechanical actions such as migration and phagocytosis, we still do not have a complete biophysical description of innate immunity. Here, we review how engineering tools can be used to study innate immune cell biophysics. We first provide an overview of innate immunity from a biophysical perspective, review the biophysical factors that affect the innate immune system, and then explore innate immune cell biophysics in the context of migration, phagocytosis, and phenotype polarization. Throughout the review, we highlight how physical microenvironments can be designed to probe the innate immune system, discuss how biophysical insight gained from these studies can be used to generate a more comprehensive description of innate immunity, and briefly comment on how this insight could be used to develop mechanical immune biomarkers and immunomodulatory therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Kalashnikov
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada
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35
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Ibrahim LI, Hajal C, Offeddu GS, Gillrie MR, Kamm RD. Omentum-on-a-chip: A multicellular, vascularized microfluidic model of the human peritoneum for the study of ovarian cancer metastases. Biomaterials 2022; 288:121728. [PMID: 35995621 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of any gynecologic malignancy and most frequently metastasizes to the peritoneal cavity. Intraperitoneal metastases are highly associated with ascites, the pathologic accumulation of peritoneal fluid due to impaired drainage, increased peritoneal permeability, and tumor and stromal cytokine secretion. However, the relationship between ascites, vascular and mesothelial permeability, and ovarian cancer intraperitoneal metastases remains poorly understood. In this study, a vascularized in vitro model of the human peritoneal omentum and ovarian tumor microenvironment (TME) was employed to study stromal cell effects on tumor cell (TC) attachment and growth, as well as TC effects on vascular and mesothelial permeability in models of both early- and late-stage metastases. Control over the number of TCs seeded in the vascularized peritoneum revealed a critical cell density requirement for tumor growth, which was further enhanced by stromal adipocytes and endothelial cells found in the peritoneal omentum. This tumor growth resulted in both a physically-mediated decrease and cytokine-mediated increase in microvascular permeability, emphasizing the important and potentially opposing roles of tumor cells in ascites formation. This system provides a robust platform to elucidate TC-stromal cell interactions during intraperitoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer and presents the first in vitro vascularized model of the human peritoneum and ovarian cancer TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina I Ibrahim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Cynthia Hajal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Giovanni S Offeddu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Mark R Gillrie
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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Campisi M, Shelton SE, Chen M, Kamm RD, Barbie DA, Knelson EH. Engineered Microphysiological Systems for Testing Effectiveness of Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3561. [PMID: 35892819 PMCID: PMC9330888 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies, including adoptive immune cell therapies and genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T or NK cells, have shown promise in treating hematologic malignancies. Yet, immune cell infiltration and expansion has proven challenging in solid tumors due to immune cell exclusion and exhaustion and the presence of vascular barriers. Testing next-generation immune therapies remains challenging in animals, motivating sophisticated ex vivo models of human tumor biology and prognostic assays to predict treatment response in real-time while comprehensively recapitulating the human tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). This review examines current strategies for testing cell-based cancer immunotherapies using ex vivo microphysiological systems and microfluidic technologies. Insights into the multicellular interactions of the TIME will identify novel therapeutic strategies to help patients whose tumors are refractory or resistant to current immunotherapies. Altogether, these microphysiological systems (MPS) have the capability to predict therapeutic vulnerabilities and biological barriers while studying immune cell infiltration and killing in a more physiologically relevant context, thereby providing important insights into fundamental biologic mechanisms to expand our understanding of and treatments for currently incurable malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Campisi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.C.); (S.E.S.); (M.C.); (D.A.B.)
| | - Sarah E. Shelton
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.C.); (S.E.S.); (M.C.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Minyue Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.C.); (S.E.S.); (M.C.); (D.A.B.)
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - David A. Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.C.); (S.E.S.); (M.C.); (D.A.B.)
| | - Erik H. Knelson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.C.); (S.E.S.); (M.C.); (D.A.B.)
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Tissue Engineering Approaches to Uncover Therapeutic Targets for Endothelial Dysfunction in Pathological Microenvironments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137416. [PMID: 35806421 PMCID: PMC9266895 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cell dysfunction plays a central role in many pathologies, rendering it crucial to understand the underlying mechanism for potential therapeutics. Tissue engineering offers opportunities for in vitro studies of endothelial dysfunction in pathological mimicry environments. Here, we begin by analyzing hydrogel biomaterials as a platform for understanding the roles of the extracellular matrix and hypoxia in vascular formation. We next examine how three-dimensional bioprinting has been applied to recapitulate healthy and diseased tissue constructs in a highly controllable and patient-specific manner. Similarly, studies have utilized organs-on-a-chip technology to understand endothelial dysfunction's contribution to pathologies in tissue-specific cellular components under well-controlled physicochemical cues. Finally, we consider studies using the in vitro construction of multicellular blood vessels, termed tissue-engineered blood vessels, and the spontaneous assembly of microvascular networks in organoids to delineate pathological endothelial dysfunction.
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Zhang J, Tavakoli H, Ma L, Li X, Han L, Li X. Immunotherapy discovery on tumor organoid-on-a-chip platforms that recapitulate the tumor microenvironment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 187:114365. [PMID: 35667465 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has achieved remarkable success over the past decade by modulating patients' own immune systems and unleashing pre-existing immunity. However, only a minority of cancer patients across different cancer types are able to benefit from immunotherapy treatment; moreover, among those small portions of patients with response, intrinsic and acquired resistance remains a persistent challenge. Because the tumor microenvironment (TME) is well recognized to play a critical role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and the suppression of the immune system and responses to immunotherapy, understanding the interactions between the TME and the immune system is a pivotal step in developing novel and efficient cancer immunotherapies. With unique features such as low reagent consumption, dynamic and precise fluid control, versatile structures and function designs, and 3D cell co-culture, microfluidic tumor organoid-on-a-chip platforms that recapitulate key factors of the TME and the immune contexture have emerged as innovative reliable tools to investigate how tumors regulate their TME to counteract antitumor immunity and the mechanism of tumor resistance to immunotherapy. In this comprehensive review, we focus on recent advances in tumor organoid-on-a-chip platforms for studying the interaction between the TME and the immune system. We first review different factors of the TME that recent microfluidic in vitro systems reproduce to generate advanced tools to imitate the crosstalk between the TME and the immune system. Then, we discuss their applications in the assessment of different immunotherapies' efficacy using tumor organoid-on-a-chip platforms. Finally, we present an overview and the outlook of engineered microfluidic platforms in investigating the interactions between cancer and immune systems, and the adoption of patient-on-a-chip models in clinical applications toward personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Hamed Tavakoli
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Lei Ma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Xiaochun Li
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Lichun Han
- Xi'an Daxing Hospital, Xi'an 710016, China
| | - XiuJun Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968, USA; Border Biomedical Research Center, Forensic Science, & Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
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Mehta P, Rahman Z, Ten Dijke P, Boukany PE. Microfluidics meets 3D cancer cell migration. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:683-697. [PMID: 35568647 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
An early step of metastasis requires a complex and coordinated migration of invasive tumor cells into the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), which contains extracellular matrix (ECM). It is being appreciated that 3D matrix-based microfluidic models have an advantage over conventional in vitro and animal models to study tumor progression events. Recent microfluidic models have enabled recapitulation of key mechanobiological features present within the TME to investigate collective cancer cell migration and invasion. Microfluidics also allows for functional interrogation and therapeutic manipulation of specific steps to study the dynamic aspects of tumor progression. In this review, we focus on recent developments in cancer cell migration and how microfluidic strategies have evolved to address the physiological complexities of the TME to visualize migration modes adapted by various tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Mehta
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Zaid Rahman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Pouyan E Boukany
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands.
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Unraveling Cancer Metastatic Cascade Using Microfluidics-based Technologies. Biophys Rev 2022; 14:517-543. [PMID: 35528034 PMCID: PMC9043145 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-022-00944-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has long been a leading cause of death. The primary tumor, however, is not the main cause of death in more than 90% of cases. It is the complex process of metastasis that makes cancer deadly. The invasion metastasis cascade is the multi-step biological process of cancer cell dissemination to distant organ sites and adaptation to the new microenvironment site. Unraveling the metastasis process can provide great insight into cancer death prevention or even treatment. Microfluidics is a promising platform, that provides a wide range of applications in metastasis-related investigations. Cell culture microfluidic technologies for in vitro modeling of cancer tissues with fluid flow and the presence of mechanical factors have led to the organ-on-a-chip platforms. Moreover, microfluidic systems have also been exploited for capturing and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that provide crucial information on the metastatic behavior of a tumor. We present a comprehensive review of the recent developments in the application of microfluidics-based systems for analysis and understanding of the metastasis cascade from a wider perspective.
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41
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He Y, Zhou H, Xu H, You H, Cheng H. Construction of an Immune-Related lncRNA Signature That Predicts Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment in Osteosarcoma Patients. Front Oncol 2022; 12:769202. [PMID: 35494024 PMCID: PMC9047752 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.769202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is one of the most common bone tumors in teenagers. We hope to provide a reliable method to predict the prognosis of osteosarcoma and find potential targets for early diagnosis and precise treatment. To address this issue, we performed a detailed bioinformatics analysis based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A total of 85 osteosarcoma patients with gene expression data and clinicopathological features were included in this study, which was considered the entire set. They were randomly divided into a train set and a test set. We identified six lncRNAs (ELFN1-AS1, LINC00837, OLMALINC, AL669970.3, AC005332.4 and AC023157.3), and constructed a signature that exhibited good predictive ability of patient survival and metastasis. What’s more, we found that risk score calculated by the signature was positively correlated to tumor purity, CD4+ naive T cells, and negatively correlated to CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, we investigated each lncRNA in the signature and found that these six lncRNAs were associated with tumorigenesis and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. In conclusion, we constructed and validated a signature, which had good performance in the prediction of survival, metastasis and immune microenvironment. Our study indicated possible mechanisms of these lncRNAs in the development of osteosarcoma, which may provide new insights into the precise treatment of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi He
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haiting Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoran Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongbo You
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Hongbo You, ; Hao Cheng,
| | - Hao Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Hongbo You, ; Hao Cheng,
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43
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Silberman J, Jha A, Ryan H, Abbate T, Moore E. Modeled vascular microenvironments: immune-endothelial cell interactions in vitro. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 11:2482-2495. [PMID: 33797034 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-00970-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The advancement of in vitro techniques enables a better understanding of biological processes and improves drug screening platforms. In vitro studies allow for enhanced observation of cell behavior, control over the mimicked microenvironment, and the ability to use human cells. In particular, advances in vascular microenvironment recapitulation are of interest given vasculature influence in cardiovascular vascular diseases and cancer. These investigate alterations in endothelial cell behavior and immune cell interactions with endothelial cells. Specific immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and T cells influence endothelial cell behavior by promoting or inhibiting vasculogenesis through cell-cell interaction or soluble signaling. Results from these studies showcase cell behavior in vascular diseases and in the context of tumor metastasis. In this review, we discuss examples of in vitro studies modeling immune cell-endothelial cell interactions to present methods and recent findings in the field. Schematic showcasing common methods of in vitro experimentation of endothelial-immune cell interactions, including interactions with flow, static culture, or in-direct contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Silberman
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, FL, Gainesville, USA
| | - Aakanksha Jha
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, FL, Gainesville, USA
| | - Holly Ryan
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, FL, Gainesville, USA
| | - Talia Abbate
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, FL, Gainesville, USA
| | - Erika Moore
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, FL, Gainesville, USA.
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, FL, Gainesville, USA.
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Filipczak N, Joshi U, Attia SA, Berger Fridman I, Cohen S, Konry T, Torchilin V. Hypoxia-sensitive drug delivery to tumors. J Control Release 2021; 341:431-442. [PMID: 34838607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Achievement of a high dose of drug in the tumor while minimizing its systemic side effects is one of the important features of an improved drug delivery system. Thus, developing responsive carriers for site-specific delivery of chemotherapeutic agents has become a main goal of research efforts. One of the known hallmarks of cancerous tumors is hypoxia, which offers a target for selective drug delivery. The stimuli-sensitive micellar system developed by us, (PEG-azobenzene-PEI-DOPE (PAPD) has proven to be effective in vitro. The proposed construct developed, PAPD, contains an azobenzene group as a hypoxia-sensitive moiety that triggers the shedding of the PEG layer from the nanoparticle surface under conditions of hypoxia to improve cellular uptake. Using microfluidics, we show significantly improved cellular association and penetration under hypoxia in both single cells and in a 3D tumor model. Employing an in vivo model, we demonstrate slower tumor growth that did not induce systemic side effects, including weight loss in an experimental animal model, when compared to the free drug treatment. This complex-in-nature but simple-in-design system for the simultaneous delivery of siRNA to silence the P-glycoprotein and doxorubicin with active tumor targeting and proven therapeutic efficacy represents a universal platform for the delivery of other hydrophobic chemotherapeutic agents and siRNA molecules which can be further modified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Filipczak
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, ul. F. Joliot-Curie 14A, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ujjwal Joshi
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sara Aly Attia
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ilana Berger Fridman
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Smadar Cohen
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Tania Konry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vladimir Torchilin
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Oncology, Radiotherapy and Plastic surgery I.M., Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8 Trubetskaya Street, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
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Zhang P, Shao N, Qin L. Recent Advances in Microfluidic Platforms for Programming Cell-Based Living Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2005944. [PMID: 34270839 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based living materials, including single cells, cell-laden fibers, cell sheets, organoids, and organs, have attracted intensive interests owing to their widespread applications in cancer therapy, regenerative medicine, drug development, and so on. Significant progress in materials, microfabrication, and cell biology have promoted the development of numerous promising microfluidic platforms for programming these cell-based living materials with a high-throughput, scalable, and efficient manner. In this review, the recent progress of novel microfluidic platforms for programming cell-based living materials is presented. First, the unique features, categories, and materials and related fabrication methods of microfluidic platforms are briefly introduced. From the viewpoint of the design principles of the microfluidic platforms, the recent significant advances of programming single cells, cell-laden fibers, cell sheets, organoids, and organs in turns are then highlighted. Last, by providing personal perspectives on challenges and future trends, this review aims to motivate researchers from the fields of materials and engineering to work together with biologists and physicians to promote the development of cell-based living materials for human healthcare-related applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Zhang
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ning Shao
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Lidong Qin
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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Song J, Choi H, Koh SK, Park D, Yu J, Kang H, Kim Y, Cho D, Jeon NL. High-Throughput 3D In Vitro Tumor Vasculature Model for Real-Time Monitoring of Immune Cell Infiltration and Cytotoxicity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:733317. [PMID: 34630415 PMCID: PMC8500473 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.733317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in anticancer therapy have shown dramatic improvements in clinical outcomes, and adoptive cell therapy has emerged as a type of immunotherapy that can modulate immune responses by transferring engineered immune cells. However, a small percentage of responders and their toxicity remain as challenges. Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have the potential to provide a platform for assessing and predicting responses to therapy. This paper describes an in vitro 3D tumor model that incorporates clusters of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells around perfusable vascular networks to validate immune-cell-mediated cytotoxicity against cancer cells. The platform is based on an injection-molded 3D co-culture model and composed of 28 microwells where separate identical vascularized cancer models can be formed. It allows robust hydrogel patterning for 3D culture that enables high-throughput experimentation. The uniformity of the devices resulted in reproducible experiments that allowed 10× more experiments to be performed when compared to conventional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic devices. To demonstrate its capability, primary natural killer (NK) cells were introduced into the vascularized tumor network, and their activities were monitored using live-cell imaging. Extravasation, migration, and cytotoxic activity against six types of CRC cell lines were tested and compared. The consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) of CRC with distinct immune responses resulted in the highest NK cell cytotoxicity against CMS1 cancer cells. These results show the potential of our vascularized tumor model for understanding various steps involved in the immune response for the assessment of adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Song
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeri Choi
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Kwon Koh
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dohyun Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - James Yu
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Habin Kang
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Youngtaek Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Duck Cho
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,Institute of Advanced Machines and Design (SNU-IAMD), Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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47
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Berger Fridman I, Kostas J, Gregus M, Ray S, Sullivan MR, Ivanov AR, Cohen S, Konry T. High-throughput microfluidic 3D biomimetic model enabling quantitative description of the human breast tumor microenvironment. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:473-488. [PMID: 34153511 PMCID: PMC8434998 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is driven by both genetic aberrations in the tumor cells and fundamental changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). These changes offer potential targets for novel therapeutics, yet lack of in vitro 3D models recapitulating this complex microenvironment impedes such progress. Here, we generated several tumor-stroma scaffolds reflecting the dynamic in vivo breast TME, using a high throughput microfluidic system. Alginate (Alg) or alginate-alginate sulfate (Alg/Alg-S) hydrogels were used as ECM-mimics, enabling the encapsulation and culture of tumor cells, fibroblasts and immune cells (macrophages and T cells, of the innate and adaptive immune systems, respectively). Specifically, Alg/Alg-S was shown capable of capturing and presenting growth factors and cytokines with binding affinity that is comparable to heparin. Viability and cytotoxicity were shown to strongly correlate with the dynamics of cellular milieu, as well as hydrogel type. Using on-chip immunofluorescence, production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis were imaged and quantitatively analyzed. We then show how macrophages in our microfluidic system were shifted from a proinflammatory to an immunosuppressive phenotype when encapsulated in Alg/Alg-S, reflecting in vivo TME dynamics. LC-MS proteomic profiling of tumor cells sorted from the TME scaffolds revealed upregulation of proteins involved in cell-cell interactions and immunomodulation in Alg/Alg-S scaffolds, correlating with in vivo findings and demonstrating the appropriateness of Alg/Alg-S as an ECM biomimetic. Finally, we show the formation of large tumor-derived vesicles, formed exclusively in Alg/Alg-S scaffolds. Altogether, our system offers a robust platform for quantitative description of the breast TME that successfully recapitulates in vivo patterns. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cancer progression is driven by profound changes in both tumor cells and surrounding stroma. Here, we present a high throughput microfluidic system for the generation and analysis of dynamic tumor-stroma scaffolds, that mimic the complex in vivo TME cell proportions and compositions, constructing robust in vitro models for the study of the TME. Utilizing Alg/Alg-S as a bioinspired ECM, mimicking heparin's in vivo capabilities of capturing and presenting signaling molecules, we show how Alg/Alg-S induces complex in vivo-like responses in our models. Alg/Alg-S is shown here to promote dynamic protein expression patterns, that can serve as potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment. Formation of large tumor-derived vesicles, observed exclusively in the Alg/Alg-S scaffolds suggests a mechanism for tumor survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Berger Fridman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel.
| | - James Kostas
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Michal Gregus
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Somak Ray
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Matthew R Sullivan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Alexander R Ivanov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Smadar Cohen
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel.
| | - Tania Konry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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48
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Shin DS, Anseth KS. Recent advances in 3D models of tumor invasion. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 19:100310. [PMID: 34308009 PMCID: PMC8294077 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2021.100310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This review presents recent advances in the design of in vitro cancer models to study tumor cell migration, metastasis, and invasion in three-dimensions (3D). These cancer models are divided into two categories based on the biophysiological processes and structures simulated, namely (i) spheroid invasion models or (ii) vascularization models. Some recent advances to spheroid invasion models include new methods to make them amenable to high-throughput settings. In vascularization models, cancer cell extravasation, intravasation, and angiogenesis have been emulated. Finally, 3D bioprinting and microfluidic technologies are allowing researchers to recapitulate some of the complex architectural and microenvironmental changes that can drive cancer cells migration from the extracellular matrix and basement membrane to blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Della S. Shin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA 80303
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA 80303
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA 80303
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49
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Pérez-Rodríguez S, Huang SA, Borau C, García-Aznar JM, Polacheck WJ. Microfluidic model of monocyte extravasation reveals the role of hemodynamics and subendothelial matrix mechanics in regulating endothelial integrity. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2021; 15:054102. [PMID: 34548891 PMCID: PMC8443302 DOI: 10.1063/5.0061997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Extravasation of circulating cells is an essential process that governs tissue inflammation and the body's response to pathogenic infection. To initiate anti-inflammatory and phagocytic functions within tissues, immune cells must cross the vascular endothelial barrier from the vessel lumen to the subluminal extracellular matrix. In this work, we present a microfluidic approach that enables the recreation of a three-dimensional, perfused endothelial vessel formed by human endothelial cells embedded within a collagen-rich matrix. Monocytes are introduced into the vessel perfusate, and we investigate the role of luminal flow and collagen concentration on extravasation. In vessels conditioned with the flow, increased monocyte adhesion to the vascular wall was observed, though fewer monocytes extravasated to the collagen hydrogel. Our results suggest that the lower rates of extravasation are due to the increased vessel integrity and reduced permeability of the endothelial monolayer. We further demonstrate that vascular permeability is a function of collagen hydrogel mass concentration, with increased collagen concentrations leading to elevated vascular permeability and increased extravasation. Collectively, our results demonstrate that extravasation of monocytes is highly regulated by the structural integrity of the endothelial monolayer. The microfluidic approach developed here allows for the dissection of the relative contributions of these cues to further understand the key governing processes that regulate circulating cell extravasation and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie A. Huang
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
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50
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Lyu Z, Park J, Kim KM, Jin HJ, Wu H, Rajadas J, Kim DH, Steinberg GK, Lee W. A neurovascular-unit-on-a-chip for the evaluation of the restorative potential of stem cell therapies for ischaemic stroke. Nat Biomed Eng 2021; 5:847-863. [PMID: 34385693 PMCID: PMC8524779 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00744-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic efficacy of stem cells transplanted into an ischaemic brain depends primarily on the responses of the neurovascular unit. Here, we report the development and applicability of a functional neurovascular unit on a microfluidic chip as a microphysiological model of ischaemic stroke that recapitulates the function of the blood-brain barrier as well as interactions between therapeutic stem cells and host cells (human brain microvascular endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, microglia and neurons). We used the model to track the infiltration of a number of candidate stem cells and to characterize the expression levels of genes associated with post-stroke pathologies. We observed that each type of stem cell showed unique neurorestorative effects, primarily by supporting endogenous recovery rather than through direct cell replacement, and that the recovery of synaptic activities is correlated with the recovery of the structural and functional integrity of the neurovascular unit rather than with the regeneration of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglin Lyu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jon Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kwang-Min Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hye-Jin Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Haodi Wu
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jayakumar Rajadas
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, U.S.A.,Departments of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, U.S.A
| | - Gary K. Steinberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Stanford Stroke Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Wonjae Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Stanford Stroke Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to: Corresponding author, Wonjae Lee, or
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