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Thymic Extracellular Matrix in the Thymopoiesis: Just a Supporting? BIOTECH 2022; 11:biotech11030027. [PMID: 35892932 PMCID: PMC9326736 DOI: 10.3390/biotech11030027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of T lymphocytes (thymopoiesis) is one of the major functions of the thymus that occurs throughout life. Thymic epithelial cells actively participate in this process. However, less attention has been paid to extracellular matrix (ECM) elements of thymus and their role in thymocyte differentiation. To clarify this topic, we selected some studies that deal with thymic ECM, its modulation, and its effects on thymopoiesis in different models. We emphasize that further studies are needed in order to deepen this knowledge and to propose new alternatives for thymic ECM functions during thymopoiesis.
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2
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Sharma H, Moroni L. Recent Advancements in Regenerative Approaches for Thymus Rejuvenation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2100543. [PMID: 34306981 PMCID: PMC8292900 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The thymus plays a key role in adaptive immunity by generating a diverse population of T cells that defend the body against pathogens. Various factors from disease and toxic insults contribute to the degeneration of the thymus resulting in a fewer output of T cells. Consequently, the body is prone to a wide host of diseases and infections. In this review, first, the relevance of the thymus is discussed, followed by thymic embryological organogenesis and anatomy as well as the development and functionality of T cells. Attempts to regenerate the thymus include in vitro methods, such as forming thymic organoids aided by biofabrication techniques that are transplantable. Ex vivo methods that have shown promise in enhancing thymic regeneration are also discussed. Current regenerative technologies have not yet matched the complexity and functionality of the thymus. Therefore, emerging techniques that have shown promise and the challenges that lie ahead are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himal Sharma
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
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3
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Wong R, Donno R, Leon-Valdivieso CY, Roostalu U, Derby B, Tirelli N, Wong JK. Angiogenesis and tissue formation driven by an arteriovenous loop in the mouse. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10478. [PMID: 31324837 PMCID: PMC6642172 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46571-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid vascularisation of biomaterials and artificial tissues is a key determinant for their in vivo viability and ultimately for their integration in a host; therefore promoting angiogenesis and maintaining the newly formed vascular beds has become a major goal of tissue engineering. The arteriovenous loop (AVL) has been an extensively studied platform which integrates microsurgery with cells scaffolds and growth factors to form neotissues. Most AVL studies to date are limited to larger animal models, which are surgically easier to perform, but have inherent limits for the understanding and interrogation of the underlying in vivo mechanisms due the paucity of transgenic models. Here, we demonstrate for the first time in a mouse model the utility of the AVL in the de novo production of vascularized tissue. We also present the combined use of the model with 3D printed chambers, which allow us to dictate size and shape of the tissues formed. This novel platform will allow for an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms involved in tissue generation de novo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Wong
- Division of Cell Matrix and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Roberto Donno
- Laboratory of Polymers and Biomaterials, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163, Genova, Italy.
| | - Christopher Y Leon-Valdivieso
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.,Roberval Laboratory for Mechanics, Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Rue du Dr. Schweitzer, 60200, Compiègne, France
| | - Urmas Roostalu
- Division of Cell Matrix and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.,Gubra, Horsholm, Denmark
| | - Brian Derby
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.,Roberval Laboratory for Mechanics, Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Rue du Dr. Schweitzer, 60200, Compiègne, France
| | - Nicola Tirelli
- Laboratory of Polymers and Biomaterials, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163, Genova, Italy.,Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, School of Health Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Jason K Wong
- Division of Cell Matrix and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK. .,Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Manchester University Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK.
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4
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Bortolomai I, Sandri M, Draghici E, Fontana E, Campodoni E, Marcovecchio GE, Ferrua F, Perani L, Spinelli A, Canu T, Catucci M, Di Tomaso T, Sergi Sergi L, Esposito A, Lombardo A, Naldini L, Tampieri A, Hollander GA, Villa A, Bosticardo M. Gene Modification and Three-Dimensional Scaffolds as Novel Tools to Allow the Use of Postnatal Thymic Epithelial Cells for Thymus Regeneration Approaches. Stem Cells Transl Med 2019; 8:1107-1122. [PMID: 31140762 PMCID: PMC6766605 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.18-0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Defective functionality of thymic epithelial cells (TECs), due to genetic mutations or injuring causes, results in altered T-cell development, leading to immunodeficiency or autoimmunity. These defects cannot be corrected by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and thymus transplantation has not yet been demonstrated to be fully curative. Here, we provide proof of principle of a novel approach toward thymic regeneration, involving the generation of thymic organoids obtained by seeding gene-modified postnatal murine TECs into three-dimensional (3D) collagen type I scaffolds mimicking the thymic ultrastructure. To this end, freshly isolated TECs were transduced with a lentiviral vector system, allowing for doxycycline-induced Oct4 expression. Transient Oct4 expression promoted TECs expansion without drastically changing the cell lineage identity of adult TECs, which retain the expression of important molecules for thymus functionality such as Foxn1, Dll4, Dll1, and AIRE. Oct4-expressing TECs (iOCT4 TEC) were able to grow into 3D collagen type I scaffolds both in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating that the collagen structure reproduced a 3D environment similar to the thymic extracellular matrix, perfectly recognized by TECs. In vivo results showed that thymic organoids transplanted subcutaneously in athymic nude mice were vascularized but failed to support thymopoiesis because of their limited in vivo persistence. These findings provide evidence that gene modification, in combination with the usage of 3D biomimetic scaffolds, may represent a novel approach allowing the use of postnatal TECs for thymic regeneration. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:1107-1122.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Bortolomai
- Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,UOS Milano, IRGB CNR, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Sandri
- Laboratory of Bioceramics and Bio-Hybrid Composites, Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC), National Research Council (CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Elena Draghici
- Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Fontana
- UOS Milano, IRGB CNR, Milan, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Campodoni
- Laboratory of Bioceramics and Bio-Hybrid Composites, Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC), National Research Council (CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Genni Enza Marcovecchio
- Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferrua
- Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Paediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Perani
- Preclinical Imaging Facility, Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonello Spinelli
- Preclinical Imaging Facility, Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Tamara Canu
- Preclinical Imaging Facility, Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Catucci
- Paediatric Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tiziano Di Tomaso
- Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Sergi Sergi
- Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Esposito
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Preclinical Imaging Facility, Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Lombardo
- Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Naldini
- Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Tampieri
- Laboratory of Bioceramics and Bio-Hybrid Composites, Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC), National Research Council (CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Georg A Hollander
- Paediatric Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Developmental Immunology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Villa
- Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,UOS Milano, IRGB CNR, Milan, Italy
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Tajima A, Pradhan I, Geng X, Trucco M, Fan Y. Construction of Thymus Organoids from Decellularized Thymus Scaffolds. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1576:33-42. [PMID: 27730537 PMCID: PMC5389928 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2016_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of modern medicine is the development of therapeutics that can modulate immune responses, especially the adaptive arm of immunity, for disease intervention and prevention. While tremendous progress has been made in the past decades, manipulating the thymus, the primary lymphoid organ responsible for the development and education of T lymphocytes, remains a challenge. One of the major obstacles is the difficulty to reproduce its unique extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment that is essential for maintaining the function and survival of thymic epithelial cells (TECs), the predominant population of cells in the thymic stroma. Here, we describe the construction of functional thymus organoids from decellularized thymus scaffolds repopulated with isolated TECs. Thymus decellularization was achieved by freeze-thaw cycles to induce intracellular ice crystal formation, followed by detergent-induced cell lysis. Cellular debris was removed with extensive wash. The decellularized thymus scaffolds can largely retain the 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment that can support the recolonization of TECs. When transplanted into athymic nude mice, the reconstructed thymus organoids can effectively promote the homing of bone marrow-derived lymphocyte progenitors and support the development of a diverse and functional T cell repertoire. Bioengineering of thymus organoids can be a promising approach to rejuvenate/modulate the function of T-cell mediated adaptive immunity in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Tajima
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Isha Pradhan
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xuehui Geng
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Massimo Trucco
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Room 1107 South Tower, 320 East North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA.
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6
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Yap KK, Yeoh GC, Morrison WA, Mitchell GM. The Vascularised Chamber as an In Vivo Bioreactor. Trends Biotechnol 2018; 36:1011-1024. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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7
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Roh KH, Roy K. Engineering approaches for regeneration of T lymphopoiesis. Biomater Res 2016; 20:20. [PMID: 27358746 PMCID: PMC4926289 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-016-0067-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells play a central role in immune-homeostasis; specifically in the induction of antigen-specific adaptive immunity against pathogens and mutated self with immunological memory. The thymus is the unique organ where T cells are generated. In this review, first the complex structures and functions of various thymic microcompartments are briefly discussed to identify critical engineering targets for regeneration of thymic functions in vitro and in vivo. Then the biomimetic regenerative engineering approaches are reviewed in three categories: 1) reconstruction of 3-D thymic architecture, 2) cellular engineering, and 3) biomaterials-based artificial presentation of critical biomolecules. For each engineering approach, remaining challenges and clinical opportunities are also identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ho Roh
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, 950 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332 USA
| | - Krishnendu Roy
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, 950 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332 USA
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8
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Tajima A, Pradhan I, Trucco M, Fan Y. Restoration of Thymus Function with Bioengineered Thymus Organoids. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2016; 2:128-139. [PMID: 27529056 PMCID: PMC4982700 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-016-0040-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site for the generation of a diverse repertoire of T-cells that are essential to the efficient function of adaptive immunity. Numerous factors varying from aging, chemotherapy, radiation exposure, virus infection and inflammation contribute to thymus involution, a phenomenon manifested as loss of thymus cellularity, increased stromal fibrosis and diminished naïve T-cell output. Rejuvenating thymus function is a challenging task since it has limited regenerative capability and we still do not know how to successfully propagate thymic epithelial cells (TECs), the predominant population of the thymic stromal cells making up the thymic microenvironment. Here, we will discuss recent advances in thymus regeneration and the prospects of applying bioengineered artificial thymus organoids in regenerative medicine and solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Tajima
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
| | - Isha Pradhan
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
| | - Massimo Trucco
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Yong Fan
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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9
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Khouri RK, Walocko FM. Tissue Engineering Chambers: Potential Clinical Uses and Limitations. EBioMedicine 2016; 6:22-23. [PMID: 27211541 PMCID: PMC4856780 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Roger K Khouri
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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10
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Morrison WA, Marre D, Grinsell D, Batty A, Trost N, O'Connor AJ. Creation of a Large Adipose Tissue Construct in Humans Using a Tissue-engineering Chamber: A Step Forward in the Clinical Application of Soft Tissue Engineering. EBioMedicine 2016; 6:238-245. [PMID: 27211566 PMCID: PMC4856786 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering is currently exploring new and exciting avenues for the repair of soft tissue and organ defects. Adipose tissue engineering using the tissue engineering chamber (TEC) model has yielded promising results in animals; however, to date, there have been no reports on the use of this device in humans. Five female post mastectomy patients ranging from 35 to 49 years old were recruited and a pedicled thoracodorsal artery perforator fat flap ranging from 6 to 50 ml was harvested, transposed onto the chest wall and covered by an acrylic perforated dome-shaped chamber ranging from 140 to 350 cm3. Magnetic resonance evaluation was performed at three and six months after chamber implantation. Chambers were removed at six months and samples were obtained for histological analysis. In one patient, newly formed tissue to a volume of 210 ml was generated inside the chamber. One patient was unable to complete the trial and the other three failed to develop significant enlargement of the original fat flap, which, at the time of chamber explantation, was encased in a thick fibrous capsule. Our study provides evidence that generation of large well-vascularized tissue engineered constructs using the TEC is feasible in humans. Tissue engineering has the potential to offer exciting alternatives for the repair of soft tissues and organ development, The tissue-engineering chamber has been shown to support tissue growth and the generation of specialized organs in animals. Here we report on the use of this chamber in humans for the successful generation of new adipose tissue.
Tissue engineering has traditionally relied on the combination of cells and scaffolds, which are subsequently implanted into the patient. However, such paradigm is limited to tissues that are thin enough to rely on diffusion for survival or that have a low metabolic rate. The tissue-engineering chamber represents an interesting approach to circumvent these obstacles, as it is able to support the growth of well-vascularized blocks of specialized tissues of varying kinds. This work presents the use of such chamber in five human patients, one of which generated a large three-dimensional well-vascularized piece of adipose tissue, probably the largest and thickest engineered tissue construct reported to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne A Morrison
- O'Brien Institute of Regenerative Surgery, St. Vincent's Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Australia; Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Diego Marre
- O'Brien Institute of Regenerative Surgery, St. Vincent's Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Damien Grinsell
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Australia; Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Nicholas Trost
- Radiology Department, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrea J O'Connor
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Particulate Fluids Processing Centre, University of Melbourne, Australia
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11
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Tilkorn DJ. Angiogenesis, cell differentiation and cell survival in tissue engineering and cancer research. GMS INTERDISCIPLINARY PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY DGPW 2015; 4:Doc08. [PMID: 26504737 PMCID: PMC4604924 DOI: 10.3205/iprs000067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Recent medical advances lead to a growing demand for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in the future. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine aim to create substitute tissue or restore lost or impaired tissue by combining biological science with engineering techniques, whereas cancer research faces the challenge to identify and hinder aberrant and uncontrolled cell growth. These two seemingly opposing fields of research share fundamental communalities. This review focuses on the shared underlying biological processes. Exploring these mechanisms of tissue growth and homeostasis from different angles will allow for creative novel approaches for both areas of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Johannes Tilkorn
- Klinik für Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische Chirurgie, Handchirurgie, Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus, Essen, Germany
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12
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Tajima A, Liu W, Pradhan I, Bertera S, Bagia C, Trucco M, Meng WS, Fan Y. Bioengineering mini functional thymic units with EAK16-II/EAKIIH6 self-assembling hydrogel. Clin Immunol 2015; 160:82-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2015.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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13
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Fan Y, Tajima A, Goh SK, Geng X, Gualtierotti G, Grupillo M, Coppola A, Bertera S, Rudert WA, Banerjee I, Bottino R, Trucco M. Bioengineering Thymus Organoids to Restore Thymic Function and Induce Donor-Specific Immune Tolerance to Allografts. Mol Ther 2015; 23:1262-1277. [PMID: 25903472 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the major obstacles in organ transplantation is to establish immune tolerance of allografts. Although immunosuppressive drugs can prevent graft rejection to a certain degree, their efficacies are limited, transient, and associated with severe side effects. Induction of thymic central tolerance to allografts remains challenging, largely because of the difficulty of maintaining donor thymic epithelial cells in vitro to allow successful bioengineering. Here, the authors show that three-dimensional scaffolds generated from decellularized mouse thymus can support thymic epithelial cell survival in culture and maintain their unique molecular properties. When transplanted into athymic nude mice, the bioengineered thymus organoids effectively promoted homing of lymphocyte progenitors and supported thymopoiesis. Nude mice transplanted with thymus organoids promptly rejected skin allografts and were able to mount antigen-specific humoral responses against ovalbumin on immunization. Notably, tolerance to skin allografts was achieved by transplanting thymus organoids constructed with either thymic epithelial cells coexpressing both syngeneic and allogenic major histocompatibility complexes, or mixtures of donor and recipient thymic epithelial cells. Our results demonstrate the technical feasibility of restoring thymic function with bioengineered thymus organoids and highlight the clinical implications of this thymus reconstruction technique in organ transplantation and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Fan
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Asako Tajima
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Saik Kia Goh
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xuehui Geng
- Division of Immunogenetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Giulio Gualtierotti
- Division of Immunogenetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Maria Grupillo
- Division of Immunogenetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Antonina Coppola
- Division of Immunogenetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Current address: Section of Endocrinology, Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica (DIBIMIS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Suzanne Bertera
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - William A Rudert
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ipsita Banerjee
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rita Bottino
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Massimo Trucco
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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14
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Overcoming immunological barriers in regenerative medicine. Nat Biotechnol 2015; 32:786-94. [PMID: 25093888 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.2960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Regenerative therapies that use allogeneic cells are likely to encounter immunological barriers similar to those that occur with transplantation of solid organs and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Decades of experience in clinical transplantation hold valuable lessons for regenerative medicine, offering approaches for developing tolerance-induction treatments relevant to cell therapies. Outside the field of solid-organ and allogeneic HSC transplantation, new strategies are emerging for controlling the immune response, such as methods based on biomaterials or mimicry of antigen-specific peripheral tolerance. Novel biomaterials can alter the behavior of cells in tissue-engineered constructs and can blunt host immune responses to cells and biomaterial scaffolds. Approaches to suppress autoreactive immune cells may also be useful in regenerative medicine. The most innovative solutions will be developed through closer collaboration among stem cell biologists, transplantation immunologists and materials scientists.
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Vascularisation to improve translational potential of tissue engineering systems for cardiac repair. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 56:38-46. [PMID: 25449260 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac tissue engineering is developing as an alternative approach to heart transplantation for treating heart failure. Shortage of organ donors and complications arising after orthotopic transplant remain major challenges to the modern field of heart transplantation. Engineering functional myocardium de novo requires an abundant source of cardiomyocytes, a biocompatible scaffold material and a functional vasculature to sustain the high metabolism of the construct. Progress has been made on several fronts, with cardiac cell biology, stem cells and biomaterials research particularly promising for cardiac tissue engineering, however currently employed strategies for vascularisation have lagged behind and limit the volume of tissue formed. Over ten years we have developed an in vivo tissue engineering model to construct vascularised tissue from various cell and tissue sources, including cardiac tissue. In this article we review the progress made with this approach and others, together with their potential to support a volume of engineered tissue for cardiac tissue engineering where contractile mass impacts directly on functional outcomes in translation to the clinic. It is clear that a scaled-up cardiac tissue engineering solution required for clinical treatment of heart failure will include a robust vascular supply for successful translation. This article is part of a directed issue entitled: Regenerative Medicine: the challenge of translation.
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Zakrzewski JL, Tuckett AZ, van den Brink MRM. Transforming lymph nodes into tissue factories. Nat Biotechnol 2012; 30:958-9. [DOI: 10.1038/nbt.2388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Tilkorn DJ, Al-Benna S, Hauser J, Ring A, Steinstraesser L, Daigeler A, Schmitz I, Steinau HU, Stricker I. The Vascularised Groin Chamber: A Novel Model for Growing Primary Human Liposarcoma in Nude Mice. World J Oncol 2012; 3:47-53. [PMID: 29147279 PMCID: PMC5649888 DOI: 10.4021/wjon496w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The preclinical development of anti-sarcoma drugs has been primarily based on the subcutaneous transplantation of xenografts. Transplant survival remains an obstacle of current models which has been attributed to the period of hypoxia after transplantation. We hypothesized that primary soft tissue sarcoma models with an intrinsic tissue engineered vascular supply would be easily reproducible. The aim of this study was to establish a model of primary human soft tissue sarcoma with an intrinsic vascular supply. Methods Primary soft tissue sarcoma cells from resected human liposarcomas isolated and divided into tumour fragments were transplanted into a silicon chamber, placed around the superficial epigastric vessels in mice. Sarcoma xenograft samples were analysed histomorphologically (light/electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry). Results All primary soft tissue sarcoma transplants engrafted, leading to solid tumours within 3 weeks. Histological and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the mouse xenografts as identical high grade liposarcomas compared to original tumour tissue. Conclusion This study established a reproducible xenograft model of primary human liposarcoma. This animal model could be of high value for studying human soft tissue sarcomas and their therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Johannes Tilkorn
- Operative Reference Centre for Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Department of Plastic Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Sammy Al-Benna
- Operative Reference Centre for Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Department of Plastic Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Joerg Hauser
- Operative Reference Centre for Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Department of Plastic Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Andrej Ring
- Operative Reference Centre for Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Department of Plastic Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Lars Steinstraesser
- Operative Reference Centre for Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Department of Plastic Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Adrien Daigeler
- Operative Reference Centre for Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Department of Plastic Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Inge Schmitz
- Operative Reference Centre for Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Department of Plastic Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Hans Ulrich Steinau
- Operative Reference Centre for Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Department of Plastic Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Ingo Stricker
- Institute of Pathology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
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Tilkorn DJ, Daigeler A, Hauser J, Ring A, Stricker I, Schmitz I, Steinstraesser L, Steinau HU, Al-Benna S. A novel xenograft model with intrinsic vascularisation for growing undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma NOS in mice. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2012; 138:877-84. [PMID: 22311184 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-012-1163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Preclinical development of antisarcoma therapy is primarily based on the subcutaneous transplantation of sarcoma xenografts. Tumour cell survival remains a hurdle of current models, which has been attributed to the hypoxic conditions following transplantation. We hypothesised that sarcoma models with an intrinsic tissue-engineered vascular supply are easily reproducible. The aim of this study was to establish a novel vascularised xenograft model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary human soft tissue sarcomas were transplanted into a silicon chamber and placed around the superficial epigastric vessels of nude mice. Sarcoma xenograft samples were assessed histomorphologically. RESULTS All sarcoma xenografts engrafted, leading to solid tumours. Histological, immunohistochemical staining and light/electron microscopy confirmed the xenografts as identical high-grade pleomorphic sarcomas (NOS) compared with the original patients' tumours. CONCLUSION This novel sarcoma xenograft model with an intrinsic vascular supply could be of high value for studying human soft tissue sarcomas and their therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel-Johannes Tilkorn
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Reference Centre for Soft Tissue Sarcoma, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
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Dudakov JA, van den Brink MRM. Greater than the sum of their parts: combination strategies for immune regeneration following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2011; 24:467-76. [PMID: 21925100 DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2011.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cytoreductive conditioning regimes designed to allow for successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) paradoxically are also detrimental to recovery of the immune system in general but lymphopoiesis in particular. Post-transplant immune depletion is particularly striking within the T cell compartment which is exquisitely sensitive to negative regulation, evidenced by the profound decline in thymic function with age. As a consequence, regeneration of the immune system remains a significant unmet clinical need. Over the past decade studies have revealed several promising therapeutic strategies to address ineffective lymphopoiesis and post-transplant immune deficiency. These include the use of cytokines such as IL-7, IL-12 and IL-15; growth factors and hormones like keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and growth hormone (GH); adoptive transfer of ex vivo-generated precursor T cells (pre-T) and sex steroid ablation (SSA). Moreover, recently several novel approaches have been proposed to generate whole thymii ex vivo using stem cell technologies and bioscaffolds. Increasingly, however, when transferred to the clinic, these strategies alone are not sufficient to restore thymopoiesis in all patients leading to the potential of combination strategies as a way to reign in non-responders. Synergistic enhancement in combination may be due to differential targets may therefore be effective in improving clinical outcomes in the transplant settings as well as in other lymphopenic states induced by high dose chemotherapy/radiation therapy or HIV, and may also be useful in improving responses to vaccination and augmenting anti-tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod A Dudakov
- Department of Immunology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Chistiakov DA. How to fight with senescent cells? Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11:233-5. [PMID: 21414121 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2010.00654.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bae JH, Yoo JJ. Cell-based therapy for urinary incontinence. Korean J Urol 2010; 51:1-7. [PMID: 20414402 PMCID: PMC2855472 DOI: 10.4111/kju.2010.51.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary incontinence has become a societal problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Although numerous therapeutic modalities are available, none has been shown to be entirely satisfactory. Consequently, cell-based approaches using regenerative medicine technology have emerged as a potential solution that would provide a means of correcting anatomical deficiencies and restoring normal function. As such, numerous cell-based investigations have been performed to develop systems that are focused on addressing clinical needs. While most of these attempts remain in the experimental stages, several clinical trials are being designed or are in progress. This article provides an overview of the cell-based approaches that utilize various cell sources to develop effective treatment modalities for urinary incontinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hyun Bae
- Department of Urology and Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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