1
|
Pathni A, Wagh K, Rey-Suarez I, Upadhyaya A. Mechanical regulation of lymphocyte activation and function. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs219030. [PMID: 38995113 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.219030] [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] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensing, or how cells sense and respond to the physical environment, is crucial for many aspects of biological function, ranging from cell movement during development to cancer metastasis, the immune response and gene expression driving cell fate determination. Relevant physical stimuli include the stiffness of the extracellular matrix, contractile forces, shear flows in blood vessels, complex topography of the cellular microenvironment and membrane protein mobility. Although mechanosensing has been more widely studied in non-immune cells, it has become increasingly clear that physical cues profoundly affect the signaling function of cells of the immune system. In this Review, we summarize recent studies on mechanical regulation of immune cells, specifically lymphocytes, and explore how the force-generating cytoskeletal machinery might mediate mechanosensing. We discuss general principles governing mechanical regulation of lymphocyte function, spanning from the molecular scale of receptor activation to cellular responses to mechanical stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aashli Pathni
- Biological Sciences Graduate Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Kaustubh Wagh
- Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ivan Rey-Suarez
- Insitute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Microcore, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogota, DC 111711, USA
| | - Arpita Upadhyaya
- Biological Sciences Graduate Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Insitute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Golo M, Newman PLH, Kempe D, Biro M. Mechanoimmunology in the solid tumor microenvironment. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1489-1502. [PMID: 38856041 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231427] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that adjoins the cancer cells within solid tumors and comprises distinct components such as extracellular matrix, stromal and immune cells, blood vessels, and an abundance of signaling molecules. In recent years, the mechanical properties of the TME have emerged as critical determinants of tumor progression and therapeutic response. Aberrant mechanical cues, including altered tissue architecture and stiffness, contribute to tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. Moreover, burgeoning immunotherapies hold great promise for harnessing the immune system to target and eliminate solid malignancies; however, their success is hindered by the hostile mechanical landscape of the TME, which can impede immune cell infiltration, function, and persistence. Consequently, understanding TME mechanoimmunology - the interplay between mechanical forces and immune cell behavior - is essential for developing effective solid cancer therapies. Here, we review the role of TME mechanics in tumor immunology, focusing on recent therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating the mechanical properties of the TME to potentiate T cell immunotherapies, and innovative assays tailored to evaluate their clinical efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Golo
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Peter L H Newman
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Daryan Kempe
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Maté Biro
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science node, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Skirzynska A, Xue C, Shoichet MS. Engineering Biomaterials to Model Immune-Tumor Interactions In Vitro. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310637. [PMID: 38349174 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Engineered biomaterial scaffolds are becoming more prominent in research laboratories to study drug efficacy for oncological applications in vitro, but do they have a place in pharmaceutical drug screening pipelines? The low efficacy of cancer drugs in phase II/III clinical trials suggests that there are critical mechanisms not properly accounted for in the pre-clinical evaluation of drug candidates. Immune cells associated with the tumor may account for some of these failures given recent successes with cancer immunotherapies; however, there are few representative platforms to study immune cells in the context of cancer as traditional 2D culture is typically monocultures and humanized animal models have a weakened immune composition. Biomaterials that replicate tumor microenvironmental cues may provide a more relevant model with greater in vitro complexity. In this review, the authors explore the pertinent microenvironmental cues that drive tumor progression in the context of the immune system, discuss how these cues can be incorporated into hydrogel design to culture immune cells, and describe progress toward precision oncological drug screening with engineered tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Skirzynska
- Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E5, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Chang Xue
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Molly S Shoichet
- Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E5, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zeng Q, Xu B, Qian C, Li N, Guo Z, Wu S. Surface chemical modification of poly(dimethylsiloxane) for stabilizing antibody immobilization and T cell cultures. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:2369-2380. [PMID: 38498344 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01729j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Advances in cell immunotherapy underscore the need for effective methods to produce large populations of effector T cells, driving growing interest in T-cell bioprocessing and immunoengineering. Research suggests that T cells demonstrate enhanced expansion and differentiation on soft matrices in contrast to rigid ones. Nevertheless, the influence of antibody conjugation chemistry on these processes remains largely unexplored. In this study, we examined the effect of antibody conjugation chemistry on T cell activation, expansion and differentiation using a soft and biocompatible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) platform. We rigorously evaluated three distinct immobilization methods, beginning with the use of amino-silane (PDMS-NH2-Ab), followed by glutaraldehyde (PDMS-CHO-Ab) or succinic acid anhydride (PDMS-COOH-Ab) activation, in addition to the conventional physical adsorption (PDMS-Ab). By employing both stable amide bonds and reducible Schiff bases, antibody conjugation significantly enhanced antibody loading and density compared to physical adsorption. Furthermore, we discovered that the PDMS-COOH-Ab surface significantly promoted IL-2 secretion, CD69 expression, and T cell expansion compared to the other groups. Moreover, we observed that both PDMS-COOH-Ab and PDMS-NH2-Ab surfaces exhibited a tendency to induce the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into Th1 cells, whereas the PDMS-Ab surface elicited a Th2-biased immunological response. These findings highlight the importance of antibody conjugation chemistry in the design and development of T cell culture biomaterials. They also indicate that PDMS holds promise as a material for constructing culture platforms to modulate T cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Dimethylpolysiloxanes/chemistry
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Surface Properties
- Antibodies, Immobilized/chemistry
- Antibodies, Immobilized/immunology
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Animals
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Interleukin-2/metabolism
- Interleukin-2/chemistry
- Mice
- Cells, Cultured
- Antigens, CD/immunology
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/metabolism
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/chemistry
- Adsorption
- Succinic Anhydrides
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiongjiao Zeng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| | - Bowen Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Cheng Qian
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Nan Li
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Zhenhong Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Shuqing Wu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lizana-Vasquez GD, Mendez-Vega J, Cappabianca D, Saha K, Torres-Lugo M. In vitro encapsulation and expansion of T and CAR-T cells using 3D synthetic thermo-responsive matrices. RSC Adv 2024; 14:13734-13747. [PMID: 38681842 PMCID: PMC11046447 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01968g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Suspension cell culture and rigid commercial substrates are the most common methods to clinically manufacture therapeutic CAR-T cells ex vivo. However, suspension culture and nano/micro-scale commercial substrates poorly mimic the microenvironment where T cells naturally develop, leading to profound impacts on cell proliferation and phenotype. To overcome this major challenge, macro-scale substrates can be used to emulate that environment with higher precision. This work employed a biocompatible thermo-responsive material with tailored mechanical properties as a potential synthetic macro-scale scaffold to support T cell encapsulation and culture. Cell viability, expansion, and phenotype changes were assessed to study the effect of two thermo-responsive hydrogel materials with stiffnesses of 0.5 and 17 kPa. Encapsulated Pan-T and CAR-T cells were able to grow and physically behave similar to the suspension control. Furthermore, matrix stiffness influenced T cell behavior. In the softer polymer, T cells had higher activation, differentiation, and maturation after encapsulation obtaining significant cell numbers. Even when terpolymer encapsulation affected the CAR-T cell viability and expansion, CAR T cells expressed favorable phenotypical profiles, which was supported with cytokines and lactate production. These results confirmed the biocompatibility of the thermo-responsive hydrogels and their feasibility as a promising 3D macro-scale scaffold for in vitro T cell expansion that could potentially be used for cell manufacturing process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaby D Lizana-Vasquez
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Road 108 Km. 1.0 Bo. Miradero. P.O. Box 9046 Mayagüez 00681-9046 Puerto Rico USA +1 787 832 4040 Ext. 2585
| | - Janet Mendez-Vega
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Road 108 Km. 1.0 Bo. Miradero. P.O. Box 9046 Mayagüez 00681-9046 Puerto Rico USA +1 787 832 4040 Ext. 2585
| | - Dan Cappabianca
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin USA
| | - Krishanu Saha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin USA
| | - Madeline Torres-Lugo
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Road 108 Km. 1.0 Bo. Miradero. P.O. Box 9046 Mayagüez 00681-9046 Puerto Rico USA +1 787 832 4040 Ext. 2585
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Srbova L, Arasalo O, Lehtonen AJ, Pokki J. Measuring mechanical cues for modeling the stromal matrix in 3D cell cultures. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:3483-3498. [PMID: 38587658 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01425h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
A breast-cancer tumor develops within a stroma, a tissue where a complex extracellular matrix surrounds cells, mediating the cancer progression through biomechanical and -chemical cues. Current materials partially mimic the stromal matrix in 3D cell cultures but methods for measuring the mechanical properties of the matrix at cell-relevant-length scales and stromal-stiffness levels are lacking. Here, to address this gap, we developed a characterization approach that employs probe-based microrheometry and Bayesian modeling to quantify length-scale-dependent mechanics and mechanical heterogeneity as in the stromal matrix. We examined the interpenetrating network (IPN) composed of alginate scaffolds (for adjusting mechanics) and type-1 collagen (a stromal-matrix constituent). We analyzed viscoelasticity: absolute-shear moduli (stiffness/elasticity) and phase angles (viscous and elastic characteristics). We determined the relationship between microrheometry and rheometry information. Microrheometry reveals lower stiffness at cell-relevant scales, compared to macroscale rheometry, with dependency on the length scale (10 to 100 μm). These data show increasing IPN stiffness with crosslinking until saturation (≃15 mM of Ca2+). Furthermore, we report that IPN stiffness can be adjusted by modulating collagen concentration and interconnectivity (by polymerization temperature). The IPNs are heterogeneous structurally (in SEM) and mechanically. Interestingly, increased alginate crosslinking changes IPN heterogeneity in stiffness but not in phase angle, until the saturation. In contrast, such changes are undetectable in alginate scaffolds. Our nonlinear viscoelasticity analysis at tumor-cell-exerted strains shows that only the softer IPNs stiffen with strain, like the stromal-collagen constituent. In summary, our approach can quantify the stromal-matrix-related viscoelasticity and is likely applicable to other materials in 3D culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Srbova
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, Espoo, FI-02150, Finland.
| | - Ossi Arasalo
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, Espoo, FI-02150, Finland.
| | - Arttu J Lehtonen
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, Espoo, FI-02150, Finland.
| | - Juho Pokki
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, Espoo, FI-02150, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Janssen R, Benito-Zarza L, Cleijpool P, Valverde MG, Mihăilă SM, Bastiaan-Net S, Garssen J, Willemsen LEM, Masereeuw R. Biofabrication Directions in Recapitulating the Immune System-on-a-Chip. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2304569. [PMID: 38625078 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Ever since the implementation of microfluidics in the biomedical field, in vitro models have experienced unprecedented progress that has led to a new generation of highly complex miniaturized cell culture platforms, known as Organs-on-a-Chip (OoC). These devices aim to emulate biologically relevant environments, encompassing perfusion and other mechanical and/or biochemical stimuli, to recapitulate key physiological events. While OoCs excel in simulating diverse organ functions, the integration of the immune organs and immune cells, though recent and challenging, is pivotal for a more comprehensive representation of human physiology. This comprehensive review covers the state of the art in the intricate landscape of immune OoC models, shedding light on the pivotal role of biofabrication technologies in bridging the gap between conceptual design and physiological relevance. The multifaceted aspects of immune cell behavior, crosstalk, and immune responses that are aimed to be replicated within microfluidic environments, emphasizing the need for precise biomimicry are explored. Furthermore, the latest breakthroughs and challenges of biofabrication technologies in immune OoC platforms are described, guiding researchers toward a deeper understanding of immune physiology and the development of more accurate and human predictive models for a.o., immune-related disorders, immune development, immune programming, and immune regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robine Janssen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Benito-Zarza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | - Pim Cleijpool
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | - Marta G Valverde
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia M Mihăilă
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | - Shanna Bastiaan-Net
- Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6708 WG, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Garssen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CG, The Netherlands
- Danone Global Research & Innovation Center, Danone Nutricia Research B.V., Utrecht, 3584 CT, The Netherlands
| | - Linette E M Willemsen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | - Rosalinde Masereeuw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lou J, Meyer C, Vitner EB, Adu-Berchie K, Dacus MT, Bovone G, Chen A, To T, Weitz DA, Mooney DJ. Surface-Functionalized Microgels as Artificial Antigen-Presenting Cells to Regulate Expansion of T Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2309860. [PMID: 38615189 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) are currently used to manufacture T cells for adoptive therapy in cancer treatment, but a readily tunable and modular system can enable both rapid T cell expansion and control over T cell phenotype. Here, it is shown that microgels with tailored surface biochemical properties can serve as aAPCs to mediate T cell activation and expansion. Surface functionalization of microgels is achieved via layer-by-layer coating using oppositely charged polymers, forming a thin but dense polymer layer on the surface. This facile and versatile approach is compatible with a variety of coating polymers and allows efficient and flexible surface-specific conjugation of defined peptides or proteins. The authors demonstrate that tethering appropriate stimulatory ligands on the microgel surface efficiently activates T cells for polyclonal and antigen-specific expansion. The expansion, phenotype, and functional outcome of primary mouse and human T cells can be regulated by modulating the concentration, ratio, and distribution of stimulatory ligands presented on microgel surfaces as well as the stiffness and viscoelasticity of the microgels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junzhe Lou
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Charlotte Meyer
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Einat B Vitner
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Kwasi Adu-Berchie
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Mason T Dacus
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Giovanni Bovone
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Anqi Chen
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Tania To
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - David A Weitz
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - David J Mooney
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hasani-Sadrabadi MM, Majedi FS, Zarubova J, Thauland TJ, Arumugaswami V, Hsiai TK, Bouchard LS, Butte MJ, Li S. Harnessing Biomaterials to Amplify Immunity in Aged Mice through T Memory Stem Cells. ACS NANO 2024; 18:6908-6926. [PMID: 38381620 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c08559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The durability of a protective immune response generated by a vaccine depends on its ability to induce long-term T cell immunity, which tends to decline in aging populations. The longest protection appears to arise from T memory stem cells (TMSCs) that confer high expandability and effector functions when challenged. Here we engineered artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPC) with optimized size, stiffness and activation signals to induce human and mouse CD8+ TMSCs in vitro. This platform was optimized as a vaccine booster of TMSCs (Vax-T) with prolonged release of small-molecule blockade of the glycogen synthase kinase-3β together with target antigens. By using SARS-CoV-2 antigen as a model, we show that a single injection of Vax-T induces durable antigen-specific CD8+ TMSCs in young and aged mice, and generates humoral responses at a level stronger than or similar to soluble vaccines. This Vax-T approach can boost long-term immunity to fight infectious diseases, cancer, and other diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh S Majedi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Jana Zarubova
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Timothy J Thauland
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Rheumatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Tzung K Hsiai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Louis-S Bouchard
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
- The Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Manish J Butte
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Rheumatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| | - Song Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California 90095 United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jeffreys N, Brockman JM, Zhai Y, Ingber DE, Mooney DJ. Mechanical forces amplify TCR mechanotransduction in T cell activation and function. APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 11:011304. [PMID: 38434676 PMCID: PMC10848667 DOI: 10.1063/5.0166848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell immunotherapies, including engineered T cell receptor (eTCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapies, have shown efficacy in treating a subset of hematologic malignancies, exhibit promise in solid tumors, and have many other potential applications, such as in fibrosis, autoimmunity, and regenerative medicine. While immunoengineering has focused on designing biomaterials to present biochemical cues to manipulate T cells ex vivo and in vivo, mechanical cues that regulate their biology have been largely underappreciated. This review highlights the contributions of mechanical force to several receptor-ligand interactions critical to T cell function, with central focus on the TCR-peptide-loaded major histocompatibility complex (pMHC). We then emphasize the role of mechanical forces in (i) allosteric strengthening of the TCR-pMHC interaction in amplifying ligand discrimination during T cell antigen recognition prior to activation and (ii) T cell interactions with the extracellular matrix. We then describe approaches to design eTCRs, CARs, and biomaterials to exploit TCR mechanosensitivity in order to potentiate T cell manufacturing and function in adoptive T cell immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yunhao Zhai
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Phillips TA, Marcotti S, Cox S, Parsons M. Imaging actin organisation and dynamics in 3D. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261389. [PMID: 38236161 PMCID: PMC10906668 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261389] [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] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton plays a critical role in cell architecture and the control of fundamental processes including cell division, migration and survival. The dynamics and organisation of F-actin have been widely studied in a breadth of cell types on classical two-dimensional (2D) surfaces. Recent advances in optical microscopy have enabled interrogation of these cytoskeletal networks in cells within three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds, tissues and in vivo. Emerging studies indicate that the dimensionality experienced by cells has a profound impact on the structure and function of the cytoskeleton, with cells in 3D environments exhibiting cytoskeletal arrangements that differ to cells in 2D environments. However, the addition of a third (and fourth, with time) dimension leads to challenges in sample preparation, imaging and analysis, necessitating additional considerations to achieve the required signal-to-noise ratio and spatial and temporal resolution. Here, we summarise the current tools for imaging actin in a 3D context and highlight examples of the importance of this in understanding cytoskeletal biology and the challenges and opportunities in this domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Phillips
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunts House, Guys Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Stefania Marcotti
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunts House, Guys Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
- Microscopy Innovation Centre, King's College London, Guys Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Susan Cox
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunts House, Guys Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Maddy Parsons
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunts House, Guys Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang Z, He C, Chen X. Designing Hydrogels for Immunomodulation in Cancer Therapy and Regenerative Medicine. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2308894. [PMID: 37909463 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The immune system not only acts as a defense against pathogen and cancer cells, but also plays an important role in homeostasis and tissue regeneration. Targeting immune systems is a promising strategy for efficient cancer treatment and regenerative medicine. Current systemic immunomodulation therapies are usually associated with low persistence time, poor targeting to action sites, and severe side effects. Due to their extracellular matrix-mimetic nature, tunable properties and diverse bioactivities, hydrogels are intriguing platforms to locally deliver immunomodulatory agents and cells, as well as provide an immunomodulatory microenvironment to recruit, activate, and expand host immune cells. In this review, the design considerations, including polymer backbones, crosslinking mechanisms, physicochemical nature, and immunomodulation-related components, of the hydrogel platforms, are focused on. The immunomodulatory effects and therapeutic outcomes in cancer therapy and tissue regeneration of different hydrogel systems are emphasized, including hydrogel depots for delivery of immunomodulatory agents, hydrogel scaffolds for cell delivery, and immunomodulatory hydrogels depending on the intrinsic properties of materials. Finally, the remained challenges in current systems and future development of immunomodulatory hydrogels are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
| | - Chaoliang He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Xuesi Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Adu-Berchie K, Liu Y, Zhang DKY, Freedman BR, Brockman JM, Vining KH, Nerger BA, Garmilla A, Mooney DJ. Generation of functionally distinct T-cell populations by altering the viscoelasticity of their extracellular matrix. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1374-1391. [PMID: 37365267 PMCID: PMC10749992 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01052-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of adoptive T-cell therapies largely depends on the generation of T-cell populations that provide rapid effector function and long-term protective immunity. Yet it is becoming clearer that the phenotypes and functions of T cells are inherently linked to their localization in tissues. Here we show that functionally distinct T-cell populations can be generated from T cells that received the same stimulation by altering the viscoelasticity of their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). By using a model ECM based on a norbornene-modified collagen type I whose viscoelasticity can be adjusted independently from its bulk stiffness by varying the degree of covalent crosslinking via a bioorthogonal click reaction with tetrazine moieties, we show that ECM viscoelasticity regulates T-cell phenotype and function via the activator-protein-1 signalling pathway, a critical regulator of T-cell activation and fate. Our observations are consistent with the tissue-dependent gene-expression profiles of T cells isolated from mechanically distinct tissues from patients with cancer or fibrosis, and suggest that matrix viscoelasticity could be leveraged when generating T-cell products for therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kwasi Adu-Berchie
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yutong Liu
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David K Y Zhang
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin R Freedman
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua M Brockman
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle H Vining
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Preventative and Restorative Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bryan A Nerger
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David J Mooney
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ramey-Ward A, Dong Y, Yang J, Ogasawara H, Bremer-Sai EC, Brazhkina O, Franck C, Davis M, Salaita K. Optomechanically Actuated Hydrogel Platform for Cell Stimulation with Spatial and Temporal Resolution. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5361-5375. [PMID: 37604774 PMCID: PMC10498418 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00516] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Cells exist in the body in mechanically dynamic environments, yet the vast majority of in vitro cell culture is conducted on static materials such as plastic dishes and gels. To address this limitation, we report an approach to transition widely used hydrogels into mechanically active substrates by doping optomechanical actuator (OMA) nanoparticles within the polymer matrix. OMAs are composed of gold nanorods surrounded by a thermoresponsive polymer shell that rapidly collapses upon near-infrared (NIR) illumination. As a proof of concept, we crosslinked OMAs into laminin-gelatin hydrogels, generating up to 5 μm deformations triggered by NIR pulsing. This response was tunable by NIR intensity and OMA density within the gel and is generalizable to other hydrogel materials. Hydrogel mechanical stimulation enhanced myogenesis in C2C12 myoblasts as evidenced by ERK signaling, myocyte fusion, and sarcomeric myosin expression. We also demonstrate rescued differentiation in a chronic inflammation model as a result of mechanical stimulation. This work establishes OMA-actuated biomaterials as a powerful tool for in vitro mechanical manipulation with broad applications in the field of mechanobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison
N. Ramey-Ward
- Wallace
H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Yixiao Dong
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Jin Yang
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Wisconsin − Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Hiroaki Ogasawara
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Elizabeth C. Bremer-Sai
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Wisconsin − Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Olga Brazhkina
- Wallace
H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Christian Franck
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Wisconsin − Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Michael Davis
- Wallace
H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Wallace
H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Joseph JP, Gugulothu SB, Nandi D, Chatterjee K. Mechanical Properties Affect Primary T Cell Activation in 3D Bioprinted Hydrogels. ACS Macro Lett 2023; 12:1085-1093. [PMID: 37466277 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
T cells play a critical role in the adaptive immune response of the body, especially against intracellular pathogens and cancer. In vitro, T cell activation studies typically employ planar (two-dimensional, 2D) culture systems that do not mimic native cell-to-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, which influence activation. The goal of this work was to study T cell responses in a cell line (EL4) and primary mouse T cells in three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted matrices of varied stiffness. Cell-laden hydrogels were 3D bioprinted from gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) using a digital light processing (DLP)-based 3D bioprinter operated with visible light (405 nm). Mechanical characterization revealed that the hydrogels had pathophysiologically relevant stiffnesses for a lymph node-mimetic tissue construct. EL4, a mouse T cell lymphoma line, or primary mouse T cells were 3D bioprinted and activated using a combination of 10 ng/mL of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and 0.1 μM of ionomycin. Cellular responses revealed differences between 2D and 3D cultures and that the biomechanical properties of the 3D bioprinted hydrogel influence T cell activation. Cellular responses of the 2D and 3D cultures in a soft matrix (19.83 ± 2.36 kPa) were comparable; however, they differed in a stiff matrix (52.95 ± 1.36 kPa). The fraction of viable EL4 cells was 1.3-fold higher in the soft matrix than in the stiff matrix. Furthermore, primary mouse T cells activated with PMA and ionomycin showed 1.35-fold higher viable cells in the soft matrix than in the stiff matrix. T cells bioprinted in a soft matrix and a stiff matrix released 7.4-fold and 5.9-fold higher amounts of interleukin-2 (IL-2) than 2D cultured cells, respectively. Overall, the study demonstrates the changes in the response of T cells in 3D bioprinted scaffolds toward engineering an ex vivo lymphoid tissue-mimetic system that can faithfully recapitulate T cell activation and unravel pathophysiological characteristics of T cells in infectious biology, autoimmunity, and cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel P Joseph
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru - 560012, India
| | | | - Dipankar Nandi
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru - 560012, India
| | - Kaushik Chatterjee
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru - 560012, India
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru - 560012, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Niu H, Zhao P, Sun W. Biomaterials for chimeric antigen receptor T cell engineering. Acta Biomater 2023; 166:1-13. [PMID: 37137403 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells have achieved breakthrough efficacies against hematological malignancies, but their unsatisfactory efficacies in solid tumors limit their applications. The prohibitively high prices further restrict their access to broader populations. Novel strategies are urgently needed to address these challenges, and engineering biomaterials can be one promising approach. The established process for manufacturing CAR-T cells involves multiple steps, and biomaterials can help simplify or improve several of them. In this review, we cover recent progress in engineering biomaterials for producing or stimulating CAR-T cells. We focus on the engineering of non-viral gene delivery nanoparticles for transducing CAR into T cells ex vivo/in vitro or in vivo. We also dive into the engineering of nano-/microparticles or implantable scaffolds for local delivery or stimulation of CAR-T cells. These biomaterial-based strategies can potentially change the way CAR-T cells are manufactured, significantly reducing their cost. Modulating the tumor microenvironment with the biomaterials can also considerably enhance the efficacy of CAR-T cells in solid tumors. We pay special attention to progress made in the past five years, and perspectives on future challenges and opportunities are also discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapies have revolutionized the field of cancer immunotherapy with genetically engineered tumor recognition. They are also promising for treating many other diseases. However, the widespread application of CAR-T cell therapy has been hampered by the high manufacturing cost. Poor penetration of CAR-T cells into solid tissues further restricted their use. While biological strategies have been explored to improve CAR-T cell therapies, such as identifying new cancer targets or integrating smart CARs, biomaterial engineering provides alternative strategies toward better CAR-T cells. In this review, we summarize recent advances in engineering biomaterials for CAR-T cell improvement. Biomaterials ranging from nano-, micro-, and macro-scales have been developed to assist CAR-T cell manufacturing and formulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huanqing Niu
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, China
| | - Penghui Zhao
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Wujin Sun
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Born Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhao L, Zhao G, Feng J, Zhang Z, Zhang J, Guo H, Lin M. T Cell engineering for cancer immunotherapy by manipulating mechanosensitive force-bearing receptors. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1220074. [PMID: 37560540 PMCID: PMC10407658 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1220074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell immune responses are critical for in both physiological and pathological processes. While biochemical cues are important, mechanical cues arising from the microenvironment have also been found to act a significant role in regulating various T cell immune responses, including activation, cytokine production, metabolism, proliferation, and migration. The immune synapse contains force-sensitive receptors that convert these mechanical cues into biochemical signals. This phenomenon is accepted in the emerging research field of immunomechanobiology. In this review, we provide insights into immunomechanobiology, with a specific focus on how mechanosensitive receptors are bound and triggered, and ultimately resulting T cell immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhu Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Guoqing Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jinteng Feng
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Min Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rochussen AM, Lippert AH, Griffiths GM. Imaging the T-cell receptor: new approaches, new insights. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 82:102309. [PMID: 37011462 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
T cells recognize pathogenic antigens via the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR). This protein complex binds to antigen fragments on the surface of antigen-presenting cells. To understand how cellular activation can ensue rapidly from molecular recognition, the localization and distribution of the TCR on the surface of the resting T cell are of particular importance. Conflicting results regarding TCR distribution have emerged from recent studies using a range of imaging techniques, including total internal reflection and single-molecule localization microscopy modalities. Here, we review the differing results and the potential biases inherent in differing imaging approaches. In addition, we review studies showing the impact of differing imaging surfaces on T-cell activation.
Collapse
|
20
|
Sommerfeld SD, Zhou X, Mejías JC, Oh BC, Maestas DR, Furtmüller GJ, Laffont PA, Elisseeff JH, Brandacher G. Biomaterials-based immunomodulation enhances survival of murine vascularized composite allografts. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:4022-4031. [PMID: 37129566 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01845d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is a restorative option for patients suffering from severe tissue defects not amenable to conventional reconstruction. However, the toxicities associated with life-long multidrug immunosuppression to enable allograft survival and induce immune tolerance largely limit the broader application of VCA. Here, we investigate the potential of targeted immunomodulation using CTLA4-Ig combined with a biological porcine-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold that elicits a pro-regenerative Th2 response to promote allograft survival and regulate the inflammatory microenvironment in a stringent mouse orthotopic hind limb transplantation model (BALB/c to C57BL/6). The median allograft survival time (MST) increased significantly from 15.0 to 24.5 days (P = 0.0037; Mantel-Cox test) after adding ECM to the CTLA4-Ig regimen. Characterization of the immune infiltration shows a pro-regenerative phenotype prevails over those associated with inflammation and rejection including macrophages (F4/80hi+CD206hi+MHCIIlow), eosinophils (F4/80lowSiglec-F+), and T helper 2 (Th2) T cells (CD4+IL-4+). This was accompanied by an increased expression of genes associated with a Type 2 polarized immune state such as Il4, Ccl24, Arg1 and Ym1 within the graft. Furthermore, when ECM was applied along with a clinically relevant combination of CTLA4-Ig and Rapamycin, allograft survival was prolonged from 33.0 to 72.5 days (P = 0.0067; Mantel-Cox test). These studies implicate the clinical exploration of combined regimens involving local application of pro-regenerative, immunomodulatory biomaterials in surgical wound sites with targeted co-stimulatory blockade to reduce adverse effects of immunosuppression and enhance graft survival in VCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sven D Sommerfeld
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Xianyu Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Joscelyn C Mejías
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Byoung Chol Oh
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - David R Maestas
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Georg J Furtmüller
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Philippe A Laffont
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Jennifer H Elisseeff
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gerald Brandacher
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Shakiba D, Genin GM, Zustiak SP. Mechanobiology of cancer cell responsiveness to chemotherapy and immunotherapy: Mechanistic insights and biomaterial platforms. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114771. [PMID: 36889646 PMCID: PMC10133187 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114771] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are central to how cancer treatments such as chemotherapeutics and immunotherapies interact with cells and tissues. At the simplest level, electrostatic forces underlie the binding events that are critical to therapeutic function. However, a growing body of literature points to mechanical factors that also affect whether a drug or an immune cell can reach a target, and to interactions between a cell and its environment affecting therapeutic efficacy. These factors affect cell processes ranging from cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix remodeling to transduction of signals by the nucleus to metastasis of cells. This review presents and critiques the state of the art of our understanding of how mechanobiology impacts drug and immunotherapy resistance and responsiveness, and of the in vitro systems that have been of value in the discovery of these effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delaram Shakiba
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Guy M Genin
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Silviya P Zustiak
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Su N, Villicana C, Barati D, Freeman P, Luo Y, Yang F. Stem Cell Membrane-Coated Microribbon Scaffolds Induce Regenerative Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in a Critical-Size Cranial Bone Defect Model. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2208781. [PMID: 36560890 PMCID: PMC10057912 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Naturally-derived cell membranes have shown great promise in functionalizing nanoparticles to enhance biointerfacing functions for drug delivery applications. However, its potential for functionalizing macroporous scaffolds to enhance tissue regeneration in vivo remains unexplored. Engineering scaffolds with immunomodulatory functions represents an exciting strategy for tissue regeneration but is largely limited to soft tissues. Critical-sized bone defects cannot heal on their own, and the role of adaptive immune cells in scaffold-mediated healing of cranial bone defects remains largely unknown. Here, mensenchymal stem cell membrane (MSCM)-coated microribbon (µRB) scaffolds for treating critical size cranial bone defects via targeting immunomodulation are reported. Confocal imaging and proteomic analyses are used to confirm successful coating and characterize the compositions of cell membrane coating. It is demonstrated that MSCM coating promotes macrophage (Mφ) polarization toward regenerative phenotype, induces CD8+ T cell apoptosis, and enhances regulatory T cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo. When combined with a low dosage of BMP-2, MSCM coating further accelerates bone regeneration and suppresses inflammation. These results establish cell membrane-coated microribbon scaffolds as a promising strategy for treating critical size bone defects via immunomodulation. The platform may be broadly used with different cell membranes and scaffolds to enhance regeneration of multiple tissue types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ni Su
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Cassandra Villicana
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Danial Barati
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Peyton Freeman
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ying Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA 02155
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang K, Wen D, Xu X, Zhao R, Jiang F, Yuan S, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Li Q. Extracellular matrix stiffness-The central cue for skin fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1132353. [PMID: 36968277 PMCID: PMC10031116 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1132353] [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: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin fibrosis is a physiopathological process featuring the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), which is the main architecture that provides structural support and constitutes the microenvironment for various cellular behaviors. Recently, increasing interest has been drawn to the relationship between the mechanical properties of the ECM and the initiation and modulation of skin fibrosis, with the engagement of a complex network of signaling pathways, the activation of mechanosensitive proteins, and changes in immunoregulation and metabolism. Simultaneous with the progression of skin fibrosis, the stiffness of ECM increases, which in turn perturbs mechanical and humoral homeostasis to drive cell fate toward an outcome that maintains and enhances the fibrosis process, thus forming a pro-fibrotic "positive feedback loop". In this review, we highlighted the central role of the ECM and its dynamic changes at both the molecular and cellular levels in skin fibrosis. We paid special attention to signaling pathways regulated by mechanical cues in ECM remodeling. We also systematically summarized antifibrotic interventions targeting the ECM, hopefully enlightening new strategies for fibrotic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kang Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dongsheng Wen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuewen Xu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Feipeng Jiang
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengqin Yuan
- School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yifan Zhang, ; Ya Gao, ; Qingfeng Li,
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yifan Zhang, ; Ya Gao, ; Qingfeng Li,
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yifan Zhang, ; Ya Gao, ; Qingfeng Li,
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Majedi FS, Hasani-Sadrabadi MM, Thauland TJ, Keswani SG, Li S, Bouchard LS, Butte MJ. Systemic enhancement of antitumour immunity by peritumourally implanted immunomodulatory macroporous scaffolds. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:56-71. [PMID: 36550304 PMCID: PMC9940651 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00977-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A tumour microenvironment abundant in regulatory T (Treg) cells aids solid tumours to evade clearance by effector T cells. Systemic strategies to suppress Treg cells or to augment immunity can elicit autoimmune side effects, cytokine storms and other toxicities. Here we report the design, fabrication and therapeutic performance of a biodegradable macroporous scaffold, implanted peritumourally, that releases a small-molecule inhibitor of transforming growth factor β to suppress Treg cells, chemokines to attract effector T cells and antibodies to stimulate them. In two mouse models of aggressive tumours, the implant boosted the recruitment and activation of effector T cells into the tumour and depleted it of Treg cells, which resulted in an 'immunological abscopal effect' on distant metastases and in the establishment of long-term memory that impeded tumour recurrence. We also show that the scaffold can be used to deliver tumour-antigen-specific T cells into the tumour. Peritumourally implanted immunomodulatory scaffolds may represent a general strategy to enhance T-cell immunity and avoid the toxicities of systemic therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh S Majedi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Symphony Biosciences Inc, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | - Timothy J Thauland
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Rheumatology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sundeep G Keswani
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Song Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Louis-S Bouchard
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Manish J Butte
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Rheumatology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Immune responses are governed by signals from the tissue microenvironment, and in addition to biochemical signals, mechanical cues and forces arising from the tissue, its extracellular matrix and its constituent cells shape immune cell function. Indeed, changes in biophysical properties of tissue alter the mechanical signals experienced by cells in many disease conditions, in inflammatory states and in the context of ageing. These mechanical cues are converted into biochemical signals through the process of mechanotransduction, and multiple pathways of mechanotransduction have been identified in immune cells. Such pathways impact important cellular functions including cell activation, cytokine production, metabolism, proliferation and trafficking. Changes in tissue mechanics may also represent a new form of 'danger signal' that alerts the innate and adaptive immune systems to the possibility of injury or infection. Tissue mechanics can change temporally during an infection or inflammatory response, offering a novel layer of dynamic immune regulation. Here, we review the emerging field of mechanoimmunology, focusing on how mechanical cues at the scale of the tissue environment regulate immune cell behaviours to initiate, propagate and resolve the immune response.
Collapse
|
26
|
Alatoom A, ElGindi M, Sapudom J, Teo JCM. The T Cell Journey: A Tour de Force. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200173. [PMID: 36190140 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
T cells act as the puppeteers in the adaptive immune response, and their dysfunction leads to the initiation and progression of pathological conditions. During their lifetime, T cells experience myriad forces that modulate their effector functions. These forces are imposed by interacting cells, surrounding tissues, and shear forces from fluid movement. In this review, a journey with T cells is made, from their development to their unique characteristics, including the early studies that uncovered their mechanosensitivity. Then the studies pertaining to the responses of T cell activation to changes in antigen-presenting cells' physical properties, to their immediate surrounding extracellular matrix microenvironment, and flow conditions are highlighted. In addition, it is explored how pathological conditions like the tumor microenvironment can hinder T cells and allow cancer cells to escape elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aseel Alatoom
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,Department of Mechanical Engineering Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Mei ElGindi
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Jiranuwat Sapudom
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Jeremy C M Teo
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,Department of Mechanical Engineering Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Blache U, Ford EM, Ha B, Rijns L, Chaudhuri O, Dankers PY, Kloxin AM, Snedeker JG, Gentleman E. Engineered hydrogels for mechanobiology. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2022; 2:98. [PMID: 37461429 PMCID: PMC7614763 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-022-00179-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cells' local mechanical environment can be as important in guiding cellular responses as many well-characterized biochemical cues. Hydrogels that mimic the native extracellular matrix can provide these mechanical cues to encapsulated cells, allowing for the study of their impact on cellular behaviours. Moreover, by harnessing cellular responses to mechanical cues, hydrogels can be used to create tissues in vitro for regenerative medicine applications and for disease modelling. This Primer outlines the importance and challenges of creating hydrogels that mimic the mechanical and biological properties of the native extracellular matrix. The design of hydrogels for mechanobiology studies is discussed, including appropriate choice of cross-linking chemistry and strategies to tailor hydrogel mechanical cues. Techniques for characterizing hydrogels are explained, highlighting methods used to analyze cell behaviour. Example applications for studying fundamental mechanobiological processes and regenerative therapies are provided, along with a discussion of the limitations of hydrogels as mimetics of the native extracellular matrix. The article ends with an outlook for the field, focusing on emerging technologies that will enable new insights into mechanobiology and its role in tissue homeostasis and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Blache
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Disease, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Eden M. Ford
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
| | - Byunghang Ha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Laura Rijns
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Patricia Y.W. Dankers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - April M. Kloxin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
| | - Jess G. Snedeker
- University Hospital Balgrist and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zuela-Sopilniak N, Lammerding J. Can't handle the stress? Mechanobiology and disease. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:710-725. [PMID: 35717527 PMCID: PMC9420767 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mechanobiology is a rapidly growing research area focused on how mechanical forces and properties influence biological systems at the cell, molecular, and tissue level, and how those biological systems, in turn, control mechanical parameters. Recently, it has become apparent that disrupted mechanobiology has a significant role in many diseases, from cardiovascular disease to muscular dystrophy and cancer. An improved understanding of this intricate process could be harnessed toward developing alternative and more targeted treatment strategies, and to advance the fields of regenerative and personalized medicine. Modulating the mechanical properties of the cellular microenvironment has already been used successfully to boost antitumor immune responses and to induce cardiac and spinal regeneration, providing inspiration for further research in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noam Zuela-Sopilniak
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jan Lammerding
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Guo T, He C, Venado A, Zhou Y. Extracellular Matrix Stiffness in Lung Health and Disease. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3523-3558. [PMID: 35766837 PMCID: PMC10088466 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and imparts a wide variety of environmental cues to cells. In the past decade, a growing body of work revealed that the mechanical properties of the ECM, commonly known as matrix stiffness, regulate the fundamental cellular processes of the lung. There is growing appreciation that mechanical interplays between cells and associated ECM are essential to maintain lung homeostasis. Dysregulation of ECM-derived mechanical signaling via altered mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways is associated with many common lung diseases. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of lung fibrosis. The stiffened ECM is not merely a sequelae of lung fibrosis but can actively drive the progression of fibrotic lung disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view on the role of matrix stiffness in lung health and disease. We begin by summarizing the effects of matrix stiffness on the function and behavior of various lung cell types and on regulation of biomolecule activity and key physiological processes, including host immune response and cellular metabolism. We discuss the potential mechanisms by which cells probe matrix stiffness and convert mechanical signals to regulate gene expression. We highlight the factors that govern matrix stiffness and outline the role of matrix stiffness in lung development and the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. We envision targeting of deleterious matrix mechanical cues for treatment of fibrotic lung disease. Advances in technologies for matrix stiffness measurements and design of stiffness-tunable matrix substrates are also explored. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3523-3558, 2022.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao He
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Aida Venado
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yong Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zarubova J, Hasani-Sadrabadi MM, Ardehali R, Li S. Immunoengineering strategies to enhance vascularization and tissue regeneration. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 184:114233. [PMID: 35304171 PMCID: PMC10726003 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells have emerged as powerful regulators of regenerative as well as pathological processes. The vast majority of regenerative immunoengineering efforts have focused on macrophages; however, growing evidence suggests that other cells of both the innate and adaptive immune system are as important for successful revascularization and tissue repair. Moreover, spatiotemporal regulation of immune cells and their signaling have a significant impact on the regeneration speed and the extent of functional recovery. In this review, we summarize the contribution of different types of immune cells to the healing process and discuss ways to manipulate and control immune cells in favor of vascularization and tissue regeneration. In addition to cell delivery and cell-free therapies using extracellular vesicles, we discuss in situ strategies and engineering approaches to attract specific types of immune cells and modulate their phenotypes. This field is making advances to uncover the extraordinary potential of immune cells and their secretome in the regulation of vascularization and tissue remodeling. Understanding the principles of immunoregulation will help us design advanced immunoengineering platforms to harness their power for tissue regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Zarubova
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 14220, Czech Republic
| | | | - Reza Ardehali
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Song Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Jung P, Zhou X, Iden S, Qu B, Bischoff M. Characterization of the Elasticity of CD4 + T Cells: An Approach Based on Peak Force Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping. Bio Protoc 2022; 12:e4383. [PMID: 35800101 PMCID: PMC9081480 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cells are essential players in orchestrating the specific immune response against intracellular pathogens, and in inhibiting tumor development in an early stage. The activation of T cells is triggered by engagement of T cell receptors (TCRs). Here, CD3 and CD28 molecules are key factors, (co)stimulating signaling pathways essential for activation and proliferation of CD4+ T cells. T cell activation induces the formation of a tight mechanical bond between T cell and target cell, the so-called immunological synapse (IS). Due to this, mechanical cell properties, including stiffness, play a significant role in modulating cell functions. In the past, many approaches were made to investigate mechanical properties of immune cells, including micropipette aspiration, microplate-based rheometry, techniques based on deformation during cytometry, or the use of optical tweezers. However, the stiffness of T lymphocytes at a subcellular level at the IS still remains largely elusive. With this protocol, we introduce a method based on atomic force microscopy (AFM), to investigate the local cellular stiffness of T cells on functionalized glass/Polydimethylsiloxan (PDMS) surfaces, which mimicks focal stimulation of target cells inducing IS formation by T cells. By applying the peak force nanomechanical mapping (QNM) technique, cellular surface structures and the local stiffness are determined simultaneously, with a resolution of approximately 60 nm. This protocol can be easily adapted to investigate the mechanical impact of numerous factors influencing IS formation and T cell activation. Graphical abstract: Overview of the experimental workflow. Individual experimental steps are shown on the left, hands on and incubation times for each step are shown right.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Jung
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
,
*For correspondence:
| | - Xiangda Zhou
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Iden
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Center of Human and Molecular Biology (ZHMB), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Bin Qu
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
,Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Markus Bischoff
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Grosskopf AK, Labanieh L, Klysz DD, Roth GA, Xu P, Adebowale O, Gale EC, Jons CK, Klich JH, Yan J, Maikawa CL, Correa S, Ou BS, d’Aquino AI, Cochran JR, Chaudhuri O, Mackall CL, Appel EA. Delivery of CAR-T cells in a transient injectable stimulatory hydrogel niche improves treatment of solid tumors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn8264. [PMID: 35394838 PMCID: PMC8993118 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn8264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has proven to be highly effective in treating blood cancers, but traditional approaches to ACT are poorly effective in treating solid tumors observed clinically. Novel delivery methods for therapeutic cells have shown promise for treatment of solid tumors when compared with standard intravenous administration methods, but the few reported approaches leverage biomaterials that are complex to manufacture and have primarily demonstrated applicability following tumor resection or in immune-privileged tissues. Here, we engineer simple-to-implement injectable hydrogels for the controlled co-delivery of CAR-T cells and stimulatory cytokines that improve treatment of solid tumors. The unique architecture of this material simultaneously inhibits passive diffusion of entrapped cytokines and permits active motility of entrapped cells to enable long-term retention, viability, and activation of CAR-T cells. The generation of a transient inflammatory niche following administration affords sustained exposure of CAR-T cells, induces a tumor-reactive CAR-T phenotype, and improves efficacy of treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail K. Grosskopf
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford
University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Louai Labanieh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Dorota D. Klysz
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer
Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305,
USA
| | - Gillie A. Roth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Peng Xu
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer
Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305,
USA
| | - Omokolade Adebowale
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford
University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Emily C. Gale
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Carolyn K. Jons
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - John H. Klich
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jerry Yan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Caitlin L. Maikawa
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Santiago Correa
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ben S. Ou
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrea I. d’Aquino
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Cochran
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford
University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford
University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Crystal L. Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer
Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305,
USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School
of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School
of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of
Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Eric A. Appel
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School
of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School
of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
94305, USA
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford
University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Tello-Lafoz M, de Jesus MM, Huse M. Harder, better, faster, stronger: biochemistry and biophysics in the immunosurveillance concert. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:96-105. [PMID: 34973924 PMCID: PMC8810625 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Antitumor immunosurveillance is triggered by immune cell recognition of characteristic biochemical signals on the surfaces of cancer cells. Recent data suggest that the mechanical properties of cancer cells influence the strength of these signals, with physically harder target cells (more rigid) eliciting better, faster, and stronger cytotoxic responses against metastasis. Using analogies to a certain electronic music duo, we argue that the biophysical properties of cancer cells and their environment can adjust the volume and tone of the antitumor immune response. We also consider the potential influence of biomechanics-based immunosurveillance in disease progression and posit that targeting the biophysical properties of cancer cells in concert with their biochemical features could increase the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tello-Lafoz
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miguel M de Jesus
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morgan Huse
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA,Correspondence: (M.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Engineering tumor stromal mechanics for improved T cell therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130095. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
36
|
Wei Q, Su Y, Xin H, Zhang L, Ding J, Chen X. Immunologically Effective Biomaterials. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:56719-56724. [PMID: 34797622 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c14781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Immunoregulation represents a booming field of biomaterial design. The unique physical and chemical properties of biomaterials offer tremendous opportunities for development. Each of their parameters exerts immunogenic effects at the immune system, cellular, and molecular levels. Herein, the perspective summarizes the interaction of biomaterials with immune cells and the underlying mechanisms to control immunoregulation in a top-down manner, providing solid inspiration for biomedical applications of immunologically effective biomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wei
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun 130033, P. R. China
| | - Yuanzhen Su
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Hua Xin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun 130033, P. R. China
| | - Lening Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, Changchun 130033, P. R. China
| | - Jianxun Ding
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Xuesi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Antmen E, Vrana NE, Hasirci V. The role of biomaterials and scaffolds in immune responses in regenerative medicine: macrophage phenotype modulation by biomaterial properties and scaffold architectures. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:8090-8110. [PMID: 34762077 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00840d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Scaffolds are an integral part of the regenerative medicine field. The contact of biomaterials with tissue, as was clearly observed over the years, induces immune reactions in a material and patient specific manner, where both surface and bulk properties of scaffolds, together with their 3D architecture, have a significant influence on the outcome. This review presents an overview of the reactions to the biomaterials with a specific focus on clinical complications with the implants in the context of immune reactions and an overview of the studies involving biomaterial properties and interactions with innate immune system cells. We emphasize the impact of these studies on scaffold selection and upscaling of microenvironments created by biomaterials from 2D to 3D using immune cell encapsulation, seeding in a 3D scaffold and co-culture with relevant tissue cells. 3D microenvironments are covered with a specific focus on innate cells since a large proportion of these studies used innate immune cells. Finally, the recent studies on the incorporation of adaptive immune cells in immunomodulatory systems are covered in this review. Biomaterial-immune cell interactions are a critical part of regenerative medicine applications. Current efforts in establishing the ground rules for such interactions following implantation can control immune response during all phases of inflammation. Thus, in the near future for complete functional recovery, tissue engineering and control over biomaterials must be considered at the first step of immune modulation and this review covers these interactions, which have remained elusive up to now.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Antmen
- BIOMATEN, Middle East Technical University, Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Nihal Engin Vrana
- SPARTHA Medical, 14B Rue de la Canardiere, Strasbourg Cedex 67100, France. .,INSERM Unité 1121 Biomaterials and Bioengineering, CRBS, 1 Rue Eugène Boeckel, Strasbourg Cedex 67000, France
| | - Vasif Hasirci
- BIOMATEN, Middle East Technical University, Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Ankara, Turkey. .,Biomaterials A&R Center, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Medical Engineering, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hamza A, Amit J, Elizabeth L E, Medha M P, Michael D C, Wendy F L. Ion channel mediated mechanotransduction in immune cells. CURRENT OPINION IN SOLID STATE & MATERIALS SCIENCE 2021; 25. [PMID: 35645593 PMCID: PMC9131931 DOI: 10.1016/j.cossms.2021.100951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The immune system performs critical functions to defend against invading pathogens and maintain tissue homeostasis. Immune cells reside within or are recruited to a host of mechanically active tissues throughout the body and, as a result, are exposed to varying types and degrees of mechanical stimuli. Despite their abundance in such tissues, the role of mechanical stimuli in influencing immune cell function and the molecular mechanisms responsible for mechanics-mediated changes are still poorly understood. The recent emergence of mechanically-gated ion channels, particularly Piezo1, has provided an exciting avenue of research within the fields of mechanobiology and immunology. Numerous studies have identified roles for mechanically-gated ion channels in mechanotransduction within various different cell types, with a few recent studies in immune cells. These initial studies provide strong evidence that mechanically-gated ion channels play pivotal roles in regulating the immune system. In this review, we discuss characteristics of ion channel mediated force transduction, review the current techniques used to quantify and visualize ion channel activity in response to mechanical stimuli, and finally we provide an overview of recent studies examining the role of mechanically-gated ion channels in modulating immune cell function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atcha Hamza
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
- The Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Jairaman Amit
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Evans Elizabeth L
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Pathak Medha M
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Cahalan Michael D
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Liu Wendy F
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
- The Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Correa S, Grosskopf AK, Lopez Hernandez H, Chan D, Yu AC, Stapleton LM, Appel EA. Translational Applications of Hydrogels. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11385-11457. [PMID: 33938724 PMCID: PMC8461619 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 332] [Impact Index Per Article: 110.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Advances in hydrogel technology have unlocked unique and valuable capabilities that are being applied to a diverse set of translational applications. Hydrogels perform functions relevant to a range of biomedical purposes-they can deliver drugs or cells, regenerate hard and soft tissues, adhere to wet tissues, prevent bleeding, provide contrast during imaging, protect tissues or organs during radiotherapy, and improve the biocompatibility of medical implants. These capabilities make hydrogels useful for many distinct and pressing diseases and medical conditions and even for less conventional areas such as environmental engineering. In this review, we cover the major capabilities of hydrogels, with a focus on the novel benefits of injectable hydrogels, and how they relate to translational applications in medicine and the environment. We pay close attention to how the development of contemporary hydrogels requires extensive interdisciplinary collaboration to accomplish highly specific and complex biological tasks that range from cancer immunotherapy to tissue engineering to vaccination. We complement our discussion of preclinical and clinical development of hydrogels with mechanical design considerations needed for scaling injectable hydrogel technologies for clinical application. We anticipate that readers will gain a more complete picture of the expansive possibilities for hydrogels to make practical and impactful differences across numerous fields and biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Correa
- Materials
Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Abigail K. Grosskopf
- Chemical
Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Hector Lopez Hernandez
- Materials
Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Doreen Chan
- Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Anthony C. Yu
- Materials
Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | | | - Eric A. Appel
- Materials
Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Pediatric
Endocrinology, Stanford University School
of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- ChEM-H Institute, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Woods
Institute for the Environment, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Jung P, Zhou X, Iden S, Bischoff M, Qu B. T cell stiffness is enhanced upon formation of immunological synapse. eLife 2021; 10:66643. [PMID: 34313220 PMCID: PMC8360652 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells are activated by target cells via an intimate contact, termed immunological synapse (IS). Cellular mechanical properties, especially stiffness, are essential to regulate cell functions. However, T cell stiffness at a subcellular level at the IS still remains largely elusive. In this work, we established an atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based elasticity mapping method on whole T cells to obtain an overview of the stiffness with a resolution of ~60 nm. Using primary human CD4+ T cells, we show that when T cells form IS with stimulating antibody-coated surfaces, the lamellipodia are stiffer than the cell body. Upon IS formation, T cell stiffness is enhanced both at the lamellipodia and on the cell body. Chelation of intracellular Ca2+ abolishes IS-induced stiffening at the lamellipodia but has no influence on cell-body-stiffening, suggesting different regulatory mechanisms of IS-induced stiffening at the lamellipodia and the cell body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Jung
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Xiangda Zhou
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Iden
- Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Center of Human and Molecular Biology (ZHMB), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Markus Bischoff
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Bin Qu
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.,Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zhang K, Feng Q, Fang Z, Gu L, Bian L. Structurally Dynamic Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: Pursuing a Fine Balance between Macroscopic Stability and Microscopic Dynamics. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11149-11193. [PMID: 34189903 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Owing to their unique chemical and physical properties, hydrogels are attracting increasing attention in both basic and translational biomedical studies. Although the classical hydrogels with static networks have been widely reported for decades, a growing number of recent studies have shown that structurally dynamic hydrogels can better mimic the dynamics and functions of natural extracellular matrix (ECM) in soft tissues. These synthetic materials with defined compositions can recapitulate key chemical and biophysical properties of living tissues, providing an important means to understanding the mechanisms by which cells sense and remodel their surrounding microenvironments. This review begins with the overall expectation and design principles of dynamic hydrogels. We then highlight recent progress in the fabrication strategies of dynamic hydrogels including both degradation-dependent and degradation-independent approaches, followed by their unique properties and use in biomedical applications such as regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and 3D culture. Finally, challenges and emerging trends in the development and application of dynamic hydrogels are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kunyu Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States.,Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Qian Feng
- Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Fang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States.,Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Luo Gu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States.,Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Liming Bian
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China.,Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Fontana F, Marzagalli M, Sommariva M, Gagliano N, Limonta P. In Vitro 3D Cultures to Model the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13122970. [PMID: 34199324 PMCID: PMC8231786 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor stroma is known to significantly influence cancer initiation and progression. In the last decade, 3D cell cultures have shown potential in modeling the tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes the main features of current 3D models, shedding light on their importance in the study of cancer biology and treatment. Abstract It is now well established that the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in determining cancer growth, metastasis and drug resistance. Thus, it is fundamental to understand how cancer cells interact and communicate with their stroma and how this crosstalk regulates disease initiation and progression. In this setting, 3D cell cultures have gained a lot of interest in the last two decades, due to their ability to better recapitulate the complexity of tumor microenvironment and therefore to bridge the gap between 2D monolayers and animal models. Herein, we present an overview of the 3D systems commonly used for studying tumor–stroma interactions, with a focus on recent advances in cancer modeling and drug discovery and testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Fontana
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (P.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-503-18427
| | - Monica Marzagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (P.L.)
| | - Michele Sommariva
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.S.); (N.G.)
| | - Nicoletta Gagliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.S.); (N.G.)
| | - Patrizia Limonta
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (P.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abdollahiyan P, Oroojalian F, Baradaran B, de la Guardia M, Mokhtarzadeh A. Advanced mechanotherapy: Biotensegrity for governing metastatic tumor cell fate via modulating the extracellular matrix. J Control Release 2021; 335:596-618. [PMID: 34097925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mechano-transduction is the procedure of mechanical stimulus translation via cells, among substrate shear flow, topography, and stiffness into a biochemical answer. TAZ and YAP are transcriptional coactivators which are recognized as relay proteins that promote mechano-transduction within the Hippo pathway. With regard to healthy cells in homeostasis, mechano-transduction regularly restricts proliferation, and TAZ and YAP are totally inactive. During cancer development a YAP/TAZ - stimulating positive response loop is formed between the growing tumor and the stiffening ECM. As tumor developments, local stromal and cancerous cells take advantage of mechanotransduction to enhance proliferation, induce their migratory into remote tissues, and promote chemotherapeutic resistance. As a newly progresses paradigm, nanoparticle-conjunctions (such as magnetic nanoparticles, and graphene derivatives nanoparticles) hold significant promises for remote regulation of cells and their relevant events at molecular scale. Despite outstanding developments in employing nanoparticles for drug targeting studies, the role of nanoparticles on cellular behaviors (proliferation, migration, and differentiation) has still required more evaluations in the field of mechanotherapy. In this paper, the in-depth contribution of mechano-transduction is discussed during tumor progression, and how these consequences can be evaluated in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Oroojalian
- Department of Advanced Sciences and Technologies in Medicine, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Miguel de la Guardia
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Zarubova J, Zhang X, Hoffman T, Hasani-Sadrabadi MM, Li S. Biomaterial-based immunoengineering to fight COVID-19 and infectious diseases. MATTER 2021; 4:1528-1554. [PMID: 33723531 PMCID: PMC7942141 DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2021.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Infection by SARS-CoV-2 virus often induces the dysregulation of immune responses, tissue damage, and blood clotting. Engineered biomaterials from the nano- to the macroscale can provide targeted drug delivery, controlled drug release, local immunomodulation, enhanced immunity, and other desirable functions to coordinate appropriate immune responses and to repair tissues. Based on the understanding of COVID-19 disease progression and immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, we discuss possible immunotherapeutic strategies and highlight biomaterial approaches from the perspectives of preventive immunization, therapeutic immunomodulation, and tissue healing and regeneration. Successful development of biomaterial platforms for immunization and immunomodulation will not only benefit COVID-19 patients, but also have broad applications for a variety of infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Zarubova
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xuexiang Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tyler Hoffman
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Hasani-Sadrabadi
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Song Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Pfannenstill V, Barbotin A, Colin-York H, Fritzsche M. Quantitative Methodologies to Dissect Immune Cell Mechanobiology. Cells 2021; 10:851. [PMID: 33918573 PMCID: PMC8069647 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanobiology seeks to understand how cells integrate their biomechanics into their function and behavior. Unravelling the mechanisms underlying these mechanobiological processes is particularly important for immune cells in the context of the dynamic and complex tissue microenvironment. However, it remains largely unknown how cellular mechanical force generation and mechanical properties are regulated and integrated by immune cells, primarily due to a profound lack of technologies with sufficient sensitivity to quantify immune cell mechanics. In this review, we discuss the biological significance of mechanics for immune cells across length and time scales, and highlight several experimental methodologies for quantifying the mechanics of immune cells. Finally, we discuss the importance of quantifying the appropriate mechanical readout to accelerate insights into the mechanobiology of the immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Pfannenstill
- Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK; (V.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Aurélien Barbotin
- Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK; (V.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Huw Colin-York
- Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK; (V.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Marco Fritzsche
- Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK; (V.P.); (A.B.)
- Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Campus, Didcot OX11 0FA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lee JY, Chaudhuri O. Modeling the tumor immune microenvironment for drug discovery using 3D culture. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:010903. [PMID: 33564739 PMCID: PMC7857858 DOI: 10.1063/5.0030693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A few decades ago, the notion that a patient's own immune system could recognize and eliminate tumor cells was highly controversial; now, it is the basis for a thriving new field of cancer research, cancer immunology. With these new immune-based cancer treatments come the need for new complex preclinical models to assess their efficacy. Traditional therapeutics have often targeted the intrinsic growth of cancer cells and could, thus, be modeled with 2D monoculture. However, the next generation of therapeutics necessitates significantly greater complexity to model the ability of immune cells to infiltrate, recognize, and eliminate tumor cells. Modeling the physical and chemical barriers to immune infiltration requires consideration of extracellular matrix composition, architecture, and mechanobiology in addition to interactions between multiple cell types. Here, we give an overview of the unique properties of the tumor immune microenvironment, the challenges of creating physiologically relevant 3D culture models for drug discovery, and a perspective on future opportunities to meet this significant challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Y. Lee
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080, USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Fritzsche M. What Is the Right Mechanical Readout for Understanding the Mechanobiology of the Immune Response? Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:612539. [PMID: 33718355 PMCID: PMC7946994 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.612539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fritzsche
- Rosalind Franklin Institute, Didcot, United Kingdom.,Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Shelton SE, Nguyen HT, Barbie DA, Kamm RD. Engineering approaches for studying immune-tumor cell interactions and immunotherapy. iScience 2021; 24:101985. [PMID: 33490895 PMCID: PMC7808917 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review describes recent research that has advanced our understanding of the role of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) using advanced 3D in vitro models and engineering approaches. The TME can hinder effective eradication of tumor cells by the immune system, but immunotherapy has been able to reverse this effect in some cases. However, patient-to-patient variability in response suggests that we require deeper understanding of the mechanistic interactions between immune and tumor cells to improve response and develop novel therapeutics. Reconstruction of the TME using engineered 3D models allows high-resolution observation of cell interactions while allowing control of conditions such as hypoxia, matrix stiffness, and flow. Moreover, patient-derived organotypic models are an emerging tool for prediction of drug efficacy. This review highlights the importance of modeling and understanding the immune TME and describes new tools for identifying new biological targets, drug testing, and strategies for personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Huu Tuan Nguyen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David A. Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lippert AH, Dimov IB, Winkel AK, Humphrey J, McColl J, Chen KY, Santos AM, Jenkins E, Franze K, Davis SJ, Klenerman D. Soft Polydimethylsiloxane-Supported Lipid Bilayers for Studying T Cell Interactions. Biophys J 2021; 120:35-45. [PMID: 33248128 PMCID: PMC7820804 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Much of what we know about the early stages of T cell activation has been obtained from studies of T cells interacting with glass-supported lipid bilayers that favor imaging but are orders of magnitude stiffer than typical cells. We developed a method for attaching lipid bilayers to polydimethylsiloxane polymer supports, producing "soft bilayers" with physiological levels of mechanical resistance (Young's modulus of 4 kPa). Comparisons of T cell behavior on soft and glass-supported bilayers revealed that whereas late stages of T cell activation are thought to be substrate-stiffness dependent, early calcium signaling was unaffected by substrate rigidity, implying that early steps in T cell receptor triggering are not mechanosensitive. The exclusion of large receptor-type phosphatases was observed on the soft bilayers, however, even though it is yet to be demonstrated at authentic cell-cell contacts. This work sets the stage for an imaging-based exploration of receptor signaling under conditions closely mimicking physiological cell-cell contact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna H Lippert
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Ivan B Dimov
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander K Winkel
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Humphrey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James McColl
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Y Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ana M Santos
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine and MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Jenkins
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine and MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J Davis
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine and MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Klenerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Isser A, Livingston NK, Schneck JP. Biomaterials to enhance antigen-specific T cell expansion for cancer immunotherapy. Biomaterials 2021; 268:120584. [PMID: 33338931 PMCID: PMC7856270 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
T cells are often referred to as the 'guided missiles' of our immune system because of their capacity to traffic to and accumulate at sites of infection or disease, destroy infected or mutated cells with high specificity and sensitivity, initiate systemic immune responses, sterilize infections, and produce long-lasting memory. As a result, they are a common target for a range of cancer immunotherapies. However, the myriad of challenges of expanding large numbers of T cells specific to each patient's unique tumor antigens has led researchers to develop alternative, more scalable approaches. Biomaterial platforms for expansion of antigen-specific T cells offer a path forward towards broadscale translation of personalized immunotherapies by providing "off-the-shelf", yet modular approaches to customize the phenotype, function, and specificity of T cell responses. In this review, we discuss design considerations and progress made in the development of ex vivo and in vivo technologies for activating antigen-specific T cells, including artificial antigen presenting cells, T cell stimulating scaffolds, biomaterials-based vaccines, and artificial lymphoid organs. Ultimate translation of these platforms as a part of cancer immunotherapy regimens hinges on an in-depth understanding of T cell biology and cell-material interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Isser
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, USA; Institute for Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, USA
| | - Natalie K Livingston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, USA; Institute for Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, USA; Translational Tissue Engineering Center, USA; Institute for Nanobiotechnology, USA
| | - Jonathan P Schneck
- Institute for Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, USA; Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, USA; Institute for Nanobiotechnology, USA; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|