1
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Sytsma BJ, Allain V, Bourke S, Faizee F, Fathi M, Berdeaux R, Ferreira LM, Brewer WJ, Li L, Pan FL, Rothrock AG, Nyberg WA, Li Z, Wilson LH, Eyquem J, Pawell RS. Scalable intracellular delivery via microfluidic vortex shedding enhances the function of chimeric antigen receptor T-cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.25.600671. [PMID: 38979201 PMCID: PMC11230359 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.25.600671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is transformative and approved for hematologic malignancies. It is also being developed for the treatment of solid tumors, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, and aging. Despite unprecedented clinical outcomes, CAR-T and other engineered cell therapies face a variety of manufacturing and safety challenges. Traditional methods, such as lentivirus transduction and electroporation, result in random integration or cause significant cellular damage, which can limit the safety and efficacy of engineered cell therapies. We present hydroporation as a gentle and effective alternative for intracellular delivery. Hydroporation resulted in 1.7- to 2-fold higher CAR-T yields compared to electroporation with superior cell viability and recovery. Hydroporated cells exhibited rapid proliferation, robust target cell lysis, and increased pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokine secretion in addition to improved CAR-T yield by day 5 post-transfection. We demonstrate that scaled-up hydroporation can process 5 x 108 cells in less than 10 s, showcasing the platform as a viable solution for high-yield CAR-T manufacturing with the potential for improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincent Allain
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR976, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Leonardo M.R. Ferreira
- Indee Labs, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Lian Li
- Indee Labs, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Allison G. Rothrock
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - William A. Nyberg
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zhongmei Li
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Justin Eyquem
- Indee Labs, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics (IHG), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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2
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Berdecka D, De Smedt SC, De Vos WH, Braeckmans K. Non-viral delivery of RNA for therapeutic T cell engineering. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115215. [PMID: 38401848 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115215] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell transfer has shown great success in treating blood cancers, resulting in a growing number of FDA-approved therapies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells. However, the effectiveness of this treatment for solid tumors is still not satisfactory, emphasizing the need for improved T cell engineering strategies and combination approaches. Currently, CAR T cells are mainly manufactured using gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors due to their high transduction efficiency. However, there are concerns about their safety, the high cost of producing them in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), regulatory obstacles, and limited cargo capacity, which limit the broader use of engineered T cell therapies. To overcome these limitations, researchers have explored non-viral approaches, such as membrane permeabilization and carrier-mediated methods, as more versatile and sustainable alternatives for next-generation T cell engineering. Non-viral delivery methods can be designed to transport a wide range of molecules, including RNA, which allows for more controlled and safe modulation of T cell phenotype and function. In this review, we provide an overview of non-viral RNA delivery in adoptive T cell therapy. We first define the different types of RNA therapeutics, highlighting recent advancements in manufacturing for their therapeutic use. We then discuss the challenges associated with achieving effective RNA delivery in T cells. Next, we provide an overview of current and emerging technologies for delivering RNA into T cells. Finally, we discuss ongoing preclinical and clinical studies involving RNA-modified T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Berdecka
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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3
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Liu X, Rong N, Tian Z, Rich J, Niu L, Li P, Huang L, Dong Y, Zhou W, Zhang P, Chen Y, Wang C, Meng L, Huang TJ, Zheng H. Acoustothermal transfection for cell therapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk1855. [PMID: 38630814 PMCID: PMC11023511 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk1855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Transfected stem cells and T cells are promising in personalized cell therapy and immunotherapy against various diseases. However, existing transfection techniques face a fundamental trade-off between transfection efficiency and cell viability; achieving both simultaneously remains a substantial challenge. This study presents an acoustothermal transfection method that leverages acoustic and thermal effects on cells to enhance the permeability of both the cell membrane and nuclear envelope to achieve safe, efficient, and high-throughput transfection of primary T cells and stem cells. With this method, two types of plasmids were simultaneously delivered into the nuclei of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with efficiencies of 89.6 ± 1.2%. CXCR4-transfected MSCs could efficiently target cerebral ischemia sites in vivo and reduce the infarct volume in mice. Our acoustothermal transfection method addresses a key bottleneck in balancing the transfection efficiency and cell viability, which can become a powerful tool in the future for cellular and gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ning Rong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhenhua Tian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Joseph Rich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Lili Niu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Pengqi Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Laixin Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yankai Dong
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, CAS-HK Joint Lab for Biomaterials, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Yizhao Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, CAS-HK Joint Lab for Biomaterials, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Congzhi Wang
- National Innovation Center for Advanced Medical Devices, 385 Mintang Road, Shenzhen 518131, China
| | - Long Meng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tony Jun Huang
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Hairong Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, China
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4
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Kim H, Kim S, Lim H, Chung AJ. Expanding CAR-T cell immunotherapy horizons through microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1088-1120. [PMID: 38174732 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00622k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, particularly in hematological malignancies. However, their application to solid tumors is limited, and they face challenges in safety, scalability, and cost. To enhance current CAR-T cell therapies, the integration of microfluidic technologies, harnessing their inherent advantages, such as reduced sample consumption, simplicity in operation, cost-effectiveness, automation, and high scalability, has emerged as a powerful solution. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the step-by-step manufacturing process of CAR-T cells, identifies existing difficulties at each production stage, and discusses the successful implementation of microfluidics and related technologies in addressing these challenges. Furthermore, this review investigates the potential of microfluidics-based methodologies in advancing cell-based therapy across various applications, including solid tumors, next-generation CAR constructs, T-cell receptors, and the development of allogeneic "off-the-shelf" CAR products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyelee Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Suyeon Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyunjung Lim
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Aram J Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- MxT Biotech, 04785 Seoul, Republic of Korea
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5
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Sevenler D, Toner M. High throughput intracellular delivery by viscoelastic mechanoporation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:115. [PMID: 38167490 PMCID: PMC10762167 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44447-w] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Brief pulses of electric field (electroporation) and/or tensile stress (mechanoporation) have been used to reversibly permeabilize the plasma membrane of mammalian cells and deliver materials to the cytosol. However, electroporation can be harmful to cells, while efficient mechanoporation strategies have not been scalable due to the use of narrow constrictions or needles which are susceptible to clogging. Here we report a high throughput approach to mechanoporation in which the plasma membrane is stretched and reversibly permeabilized by viscoelastic fluid forces within a microfluidic chip without surface contact. Biomolecules are delivered directly to the cytosol within seconds at a throughput exceeding 250 million cells per minute. Viscoelastic mechanoporation is compatible with a variety of biomolecules including proteins, RNA, and CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes, as well as a range of cell types including HEK293T cells and primary T cells. Altogether, viscoelastic mechanoporation appears feasible for contact-free permeabilization and delivery of biomolecules to mammalian cells ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derin Sevenler
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Mehmet Toner
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Shriners Children's, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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6
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Hu T, Kumar AR, Luo Y, Tay A. Automating CAR-T Transfection with Micro and Nano-Technologies. SMALL METHODS 2023:e2301300. [PMID: 38054597 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer poses a significant health challenge, with traditional treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy often lacking in cell specificity and long-term curative potential. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy,utilizing genetically engineered T cells to target cancer cells, is a promising alternative. However, its high cost limits widespread application. CAR-T manufacturing process encompasses three stages: cell isolation and activation, transfection, and expansion.While the first and last stages have straightforward, commercially available automation technologies, the transfection stage lags behind. Current automated transfection relies on viral vectors or bulk electroporation, which have drawbacks such as limited cargo capacity and significant cell disturbance. Conversely, micro and nano-tool methods offer higher throughput and cargo flexibility, yet their automation remains underexplored.In this perspective, the progress in micro and nano-engineering tools for CAR-T transfection followed by a discussion to automate them is described. It is anticipated that this work can inspire the community working on micro and nano transfection techniques to examine how their protocols can be automated to align with the growing interest in automating CAR-T manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianmu Hu
- Engineering Science Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Arun Rk Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Yikai Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Tissue Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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7
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M. The use of RNA-based treatments in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:106. [PMID: 37420174 PMCID: PMC10401791 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01807-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, mRNA vaccines have evolved from a theoretical concept to a clinical reality. These vaccines offer several advantages over traditional vaccine techniques, including their high potency, rapid development, low-cost manufacturing, and safe administration. However, until recently, concerns over the instability and inefficient distribution of mRNA in vivo have limited their utility. Fortunately, recent technological advancements have mostly resolved these concerns, resulting in the development of numerous mRNA vaccination platforms for infectious diseases and various types of cancer. These platforms have shown promising outcomes in both animal models and humans. This study highlights the potential of mRNA vaccines as a promising alternative approach to conventional vaccine techniques and cancer treatment. This review article aims to provide a thorough and detailed examination of mRNA vaccines, including their mechanisms of action and potential applications in cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, the article will analyze the current state of mRNA vaccine technology and highlight future directions for the development and implementation of this promising vaccine platform as a mainstream therapeutic option. The review will also discuss potential challenges and limitations of mRNA vaccines, such as their stability and in vivo distribution, and suggest ways to overcome these issues. By providing a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of mRNA vaccines, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of this innovative approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
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8
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Sevenler D, Toner M. High throughput intracellular delivery by viscoelastic mechanoporation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.24.538131. [PMID: 37163007 PMCID: PMC10168280 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.24.538131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Brief and intense electric fields (electroporation) and/or tensile stresses (mechanoporation) have been used to temporarily permeabilize the plasma membrane of mammalian cells for the purpose of delivering materials to the cytosol. However, electroporation can be harmful to cells, while efficient mechanoporation strategies have not been scalable due to the use of narrow constrictions or needles which are susceptible to clogging. Here we report a method of mechanoporation in which cells were stretched and permeabilized by viscoelastic flow forces without surface contact. Inertio-elastic cell focusing aligned cells to the center of the device, avoiding direct contact with walls and enabling efficient (95%) intracellular delivery to over 200 million cells per minute. Functional biomolecules such as proteins, RNA, and ribonucleoprotein complexes were successfully delivered to Jurkat cells. Efficient intracellular delivery to HEK293T cells and primary activated T cells was also demonstrated. Contact-free mechanoporation using viscoelastic fluid forces appears to be feasible method for efficient and high throughput intracellular delivery of biomolecules to mammalian cells ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derin Sevenler
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mehmet Toner
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Kwon C, Chung AJ. Highly efficient mRNA delivery with nonlinear microfluidic cell stretching for cellular engineering. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1758-1767. [PMID: 36727443 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc01115h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In the past few years, messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Clinically, mRNA-based drugs have been used for cancer immunotherapy, infectious diseases, and genomic disorders. To maximize the therapeutic efficacy of mRNA, the exact amount of mRNAs must be delivered to the target locations without degradation; however, traditional delivery modalities, such as lipid carriers and electroporation, are suboptimal because of their high cost, cell-type sensitivity, low scalability, transfection/delivery inconsistency, and/or loss of cell functionality. Therefore, new effective and stable delivery methods are required. Accordingly, we present a novel nonlinear microfluidic cell stretching (μ-cell stretcher) platform that leverages viscoelastic fluids, i.e., methylcellulose (MC) solutions, and cell mechanoporation for highly efficient and robust intracellular mRNA delivery. In the proposed platform, cells suspended in MC solutions with mRNAs were injected into a microchannel where they rapidly passed through a single constriction. Owing to the use of viscoelastic MC solutions, a high shear force was applied to the cells, effectively creating transient nanopores. This feature allows mRNAs to be effectively internalized through generated membrane discontinuities. Using this platform, high delivery efficiency (∼97%), high throughput (∼3.5 × 105 cells per min), cell-type-/cargo-size-insensitive delivery, simple operation (single-step), low analyte consumption, low-cost operation (<$1), and nearly clogging-free operation were demonstrated, demonstrating the high potential of the proposed platform for application in mRNA-based cellular engineering research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Kwon
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Aram J Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health (PPH), Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- MxT Biotech, 04785 Seoul, Republic of Korea
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10
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Chen YH, Jiang R, Lee AP. Titering of Chimeric Antigen Receptors on CAR T Cells enabled by a Microfluidic-based Dosage-Controlled Intracellular mRNA Delivery Platform. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.14.532624. [PMID: 36993279 PMCID: PMC10055039 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.14.532624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy shows unprecedented efficacy for cancer treatment, particularly in treating patients with various blood cancers, most notably B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). In recent years, CAR T-cell therapies are being investigated for treating other hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Despite the remarkable success of CAR T-cell therapy, it has unexpected side effects that are potentially life threatening. Here, we demonstrate the delivery of approximately the same amount of CAR gene coding mRNA into each T cell propose an acoustic-electric microfluidic platform to manipulate cell membranes and achieve dosage control via uniform mixing, which delivers approximately the same amount of CAR genes into each T cell. We also show that CAR expression density can be titered on the surface of primary T cells under various input power conditions using the microfluidic platform.
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11
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Protopapa G, Bono N, Visone R, D'Alessandro F, Rasponi M, Candiani G. A new microfluidic platform for the highly reproducible preparation of non-viral gene delivery complexes. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 23:136-145. [PMID: 36477137 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00744d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Transfection describes the delivery of exogenous nucleic acids (NAs) to cells utilizing non-viral means. In the last few decades, scientists have been doing their utmost to design ever more effective transfection reagents. These are eventually mixed with NAs to give rise to gene delivery complexes, which must undergo characterization, testing, and further refinement through the sequential reiteration of these steps. Unfortunately, although microfluidics offers distinct advantages over the canonical approaches to preparing particles, the systems available do not address the most frequent and practical quest for the simultaneous generation of multiple polymer-to-NA ratios (N/Ps). Herein, we developed a user-friendly microfluidic cartridge to repeatably prepare non-viral gene delivery particles and screen across a range of seven N/Ps at once or significant volumes of polyplexes at a given N/P. The microchip is equipped with a chaotic serial dilution generator for the automatic linear dilution of the polymer to the downstream area, which encompasses the NA divider to dispense equal amounts of DNA to the mixing area, enabling the formation of particles at seven N/Ps eventually collected in individual built-in tanks. This is the first example of a stand-alone microfluidic cartridge for the fast and repeatable preparation of non-viral gene delivery complexes at different N/Ps and their storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Protopapa
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Nina Bono
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Roberta Visone
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio D'Alessandro
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Candiani
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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12
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Liu Y, Fan Z, Qiao L, Liu B. Advances in microfluidic strategies for single-cell research. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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13
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Recent approaches to mRNA vaccine delivery by lipid-based vectors prepared by continuous-flow microfluidic devices. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:1561-1581. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2022-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in nanotechnology have resulted in the introduction of several nonviral delivery vectors for the nontoxic, efficient delivery of encapsulated mRNA-based vaccines. Lipid- and polymer-based nanoparticles (NP) have proven to be the most potent delivery systems, providing increased delivery efficiency and protection of mRNA molecules from degradation. Here, the authors provide an overview of the recent studies carried out using lipid NPs and their functionalized forms, polymeric and lipid-polymer hybrid nanocarriers utilized mainly for the encapsulation of mRNAs for gene and immune therapeutic applications. A microfluidic system as a prevalent methodology for the preparation of NPs with continuous flow enables NP size tuning, rapid mixing and production reproducibility. Continuous-flow microfluidic devices for lipid and polymeric encapsulated RNA NP production are specifically reviewed.
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14
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Bae SJ, Im DJ. Safe and efficient RNA and DNA introduction into cells using digital electroporation system. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 148:108268. [PMID: 36155386 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We systematically compared the delivery and expression efficiencies according to cell types (plant and animal cells) and genetic materials (RNA and DNA) to deliver RNA using a digital electroporation system. Despite the significantly lower RNA delivery in Chlamydomoans reinhartii than DNA delivery due to RNA secondary structure and cell wall, the expression/delivery ratio of RNA was significantly higher than that of DNA (up to 90%), confirming the generally known fact that RNA is more favorable for expression than DNA. On the other hand, in K562 cells, the difference in RNA and DNA delivery efficiency was negligible. Therefore, structural differences between DNA and RNA affect delivery efficiency differently depending on the cell type. RNA delivery efficiency of K562 cells was high, but expression efficiency was much lower than that of microalgae. According to the proposed strategy, compatibility between K562 cells and the nucleic acids used in this study is presumed to be one of the reasons for this low expression efficiency. Gene regulation by delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA) was demonstrated in K562 cells, confirming the feasibility of the digital electroporation system for RNA interference (RNAi) research as a safe and efficient delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo Jun Bae
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University, (48513) 45, Yongso-ro, Nam-Gu, Busan, South Korea
| | - Do Jin Im
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University, (48513) 45, Yongso-ro, Nam-Gu, Busan, South Korea.
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15
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Carvalho BG, Ceccato BT, Michelon M, Han SW, de la Torre LG. Advanced Microfluidic Technologies for Lipid Nano-Microsystems from Synthesis to Biological Application. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:141. [PMID: 35057037 PMCID: PMC8781930 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is an emerging technology that can be employed as a powerful tool for designing lipid nano-microsized structures for biological applications. Those lipid structures can be used as carrying vehicles for a wide range of drugs and genetic materials. Microfluidic technology also allows the design of sustainable processes with less financial demand, while it can be scaled up using parallelization to increase production. From this perspective, this article reviews the recent advances in the synthesis of lipid-based nanostructures through microfluidics (liposomes, lipoplexes, lipid nanoparticles, core-shell nanoparticles, and biomimetic nanovesicles). Besides that, this review describes the recent microfluidic approaches to produce lipid micro-sized structures as giant unilamellar vesicles. New strategies are also described for the controlled release of the lipid payloads using microgels and droplet-based microfluidics. To address the importance of microfluidics for lipid-nanoparticle screening, an overview of how microfluidic systems can be used to mimic the cellular environment is also presented. Future trends and perspectives in designing novel nano and micro scales are also discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna G. Carvalho
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
| | - Bruno T. Ceccato
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
| | - Mariano Michelon
- School of Chemical and Food Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil;
| | - Sang W. Han
- Center for Cell Therapy and Molecular, Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04044-010, Brazil;
| | - Lucimara G. de la Torre
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
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16
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Chakrabarty P, Gupta P, Illath K, Kar S, Nagai M, Tseng FG, Santra TS. Microfluidic mechanoporation for cellular delivery and analysis. Mater Today Bio 2022; 13:100193. [PMID: 35005598 PMCID: PMC8718663 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2021.100193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly efficient intracellular delivery strategies are essential for developing therapeutic, diagnostic, biological, and various biomedical applications. The recent advancement of micro/nanotechnology has focused numerous researches towards developing microfluidic device-based strategies due to the associated high throughput delivery, cost-effectiveness, robustness, and biocompatible nature. The delivery strategies can be carrier-mediated or membrane disruption-based, where membrane disruption methods find popularity due to reduced toxicity, enhanced delivery efficiency, and cell viability. Among all of the membrane disruption techniques, the mechanoporation strategies are advantageous because of no external energy source required for membrane deformation, thereby achieving high delivery efficiencies and increased cell viability into different cell types with negligible toxicity. The past two decades have consequently seen a tremendous boost in mechanoporation-based research for intracellular delivery and cellular analysis. This article provides a brief review of the most recent developments on microfluidic-based mechanoporation strategies such as microinjection, nanoneedle arrays, cell-squeezing, and hydroporation techniques with their working principle, device fabrication, cellular delivery, and analysis. Moreover, a brief discussion of the different mechanoporation strategies integrated with other delivery methods has also been provided. Finally, the advantages, limitations, and future prospects of this technique are discussed compared to other intracellular delivery techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pulasta Chakrabarty
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Pallavi Gupta
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Kavitha Illath
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Srabani Kar
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB30FA, UK
| | - Moeto Nagai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Fan-Gang Tseng
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tuhin Subhra Santra
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
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17
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Rich J, Tian Z, Huang TJ. Sonoporation: Past, Present, and Future. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2022; 7:2100885. [PMID: 35399914 PMCID: PMC8992730 DOI: 10.1002/admt.202100885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
A surge of research in intracellular delivery technologies is underway with the increased innovations in cell-based therapies and cell reprogramming. Particularly, physical cell membrane permeabilization techniques are highlighted as the leading technologies because of their unique features, including versatility, independence of cargo properties, and high-throughput delivery that is critical for providing the desired cell quantity for cell-based therapies. Amongst the physical permeabilization methods, sonoporation holds great promise and has been demonstrated for delivering a variety of functional cargos, such as biomolecular drugs, proteins, and plasmids, to various cells including cancer, immune, and stem cells. However, traditional bubble-based sonoporation methods usually require special contrast agents. Bubble-based sonoporation methods also have high chances of inducing irreversible damage to critical cell components, lowering the cell viability, and reducing the effectiveness of delivered cargos. To overcome these limitations, several novel non-bubble-based sonoporation mechanisms are under development. This review will cover both the bubble-based and non-bubble-based sonoporation mechanisms being employed for intracellular delivery, the technologies being investigated to overcome the limitations of traditional platforms, as well as perspectives on the future sonoporation mechanisms, technologies, and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Rich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Zhenhua Tian
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Tony Jun Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
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18
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Advances in engineering and synthetic biology toward improved therapeutic immune cells. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2021.100342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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19
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Microfluidic transfection of mRNA into human primary lymphocytes and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells using ultra-fast physical deformations. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21407. [PMID: 34725429 PMCID: PMC8560772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00893-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery provides gene therapy with the potential to achieve transient therapeutic efficacy without risk of insertional mutagenesis. Amongst other applications, mRNA can be employed as a platform to deliver gene editing molecules, to achieve protein expression as an alternative to enzyme replacement therapies, and to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on immune cells for the treatment of cancer. We designed a novel microfluidic device that allows for efficient mRNA delivery via volume exchange for convective transfection (VECT). In the device, cells flow through a ridged channel that enforces a series of ultra-fast and large intensity deformations able to transiently open pores and induce convective transport of mRNA into the cell. Here, we describe efficient delivery of mRNA into T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), three human primary cell types widely used for ex vivo gene therapy applications. Results demonstrate that the device can operate at a wide range of cell and payload concentrations and that ultra-fast compressions do not have a negative impact on T cell function, making this a novel and competitive platform for the development of ex vivo mRNA-based gene therapies and other cell products engineered with mRNA.
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20
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Zhang P, Shao N, Qin L. Recent Advances in Microfluidic Platforms for Programming Cell-Based Living Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2005944. [PMID: 34270839 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based living materials, including single cells, cell-laden fibers, cell sheets, organoids, and organs, have attracted intensive interests owing to their widespread applications in cancer therapy, regenerative medicine, drug development, and so on. Significant progress in materials, microfabrication, and cell biology have promoted the development of numerous promising microfluidic platforms for programming these cell-based living materials with a high-throughput, scalable, and efficient manner. In this review, the recent progress of novel microfluidic platforms for programming cell-based living materials is presented. First, the unique features, categories, and materials and related fabrication methods of microfluidic platforms are briefly introduced. From the viewpoint of the design principles of the microfluidic platforms, the recent significant advances of programming single cells, cell-laden fibers, cell sheets, organoids, and organs in turns are then highlighted. Last, by providing personal perspectives on challenges and future trends, this review aims to motivate researchers from the fields of materials and engineering to work together with biologists and physicians to promote the development of cell-based living materials for human healthcare-related applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Zhang
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ning Shao
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Lidong Qin
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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21
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Tay A, Melosh N. Mechanical Stimulation after Centrifuge-Free Nano-Electroporative Transfection Is Efficient and Maintains Long-Term T Cell Functionalities. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2103198. [PMID: 34396686 PMCID: PMC8475193 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202103198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Transfection is an essential step in genetic engineering and cell therapies. While a number of non-viral micro- and nano-technologies have been developed to deliver DNA plasmids into the cell cytoplasm, one of the most challenging and least efficient steps is DNA transport to and expression in the nucleus. Here, the magnetic nano-electro-injection (MagNEI) platform is described which makes use of oscillatory mechanical stimulation after cytoplasmic delivery with high aspect-ratio nano-structures to achieve stable (>2 weeks) net transfection efficiency (efficiency × viability) of 50% in primary human T cells. This is, to the best of the authors' knowledge, the highest net efficiency reported for primary T cells using a centrifuge-free, non-viral transfection method, in the absence of cell selection, and with a clinically relevant cargo size (>12 kbp). Wireless mechanical stimulation downregulates the expression of microtubule motor protein gene, KIF2A, which increases local DNA concentration near the nuclei, resulting in enhanced DNA transfection. Magnetic forces also accelerate membrane repair by promoting actin cytoskeletal remodeling which preserves key biological attributes including cell proliferation and gene expressions. These results demonstrate MagNEI as a powerful non-viral transfection technique for progress toward fully closed, end-to-end T cell manufacturing with less human labor, lower production cost, and shorter delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583
- Institute of Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599
| | - Nicholas Melosh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
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22
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Joo B, Hur J, Kim GB, Yun SG, Chung AJ. Highly Efficient Transfection of Human Primary T Lymphocytes Using Droplet-Enabled Mechanoporation. ACS NANO 2021; 15:12888-12898. [PMID: 34142817 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c10473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Whole-cell-based therapy has been extensively used as an effective disease treatment approach, and it has rapidly changed the therapeutic paradigm. To fully accommodate this shift, advances in genome modification and cell reprogramming methodologies are critical. Traditionally, molecular tools such as viral and polymer nanocarriers and electroporation have been the norm for internalizing external biomolecules into cells for cellular engineering. However, these approaches are not fully satisfactory considering their cytotoxicity, high cost, low scalability, and/or inconsistent and ineffective delivery and transfection. To address these challenges, we present an approach that leverages droplet microfluidics with cell mechanoporation, bringing intracellular delivery to the next level. In our approach, cells and external cargos such as mRNAs and plasmid DNAs are coencapsulated into droplets, and as they pass through a series of narrow constrictions, the cell membrane is mechanically permeabilized where the cargos in the vicinity are internalized via convective solution exchange enhanced by recirculation flows developed in the droplets. Using this principle, we demonstrated a high level of functional macromolecule delivery into various immune cells, including human primary T cells. By utilizing droplets, the cargo consumption was drastically reduced, and near-zero clogging was realized. Furthermore, high scalability without sacrificing cell viability and superior delivery over state-of-the-art methods and benchtop techniques were demonstrated. Notably, the droplet-based intracellular delivery strategy presented here can be further applied to other mechanoporation microfluidic techniques, highlighting its potential for cellular engineering and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeongju Joo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongsoo Hur
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Beom Kim
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Gyu Yun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Aram J Chung
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
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23
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Hur J, Chung AJ. Microfluidic and Nanofluidic Intracellular Delivery. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2004595. [PMID: 34096197 PMCID: PMC8336510 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Innate cell function can be artificially engineered and reprogrammed by introducing biomolecules, such as DNAs, RNAs, plasmid DNAs, proteins, or nanomaterials, into the cytosol or nucleus. This process of delivering exogenous cargos into living cells is referred to as intracellular delivery. For instance, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 gene editing begins with internalizing Cas9 protein and guide RNA into cells, and chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells are prepared by delivering CAR genes into T lymphocytes for cancer immunotherapies. To deliver external biomolecules into cells, tools, including viral vectors, and electroporation have been traditionally used; however, they are suboptimal for achieving high levels of intracellular delivery while preserving cell viability, phenotype, and function. Notably, as emerging solutions, microfluidic and nanofluidic approaches have shown remarkable potential for addressing this open challenge. This review provides an overview of recent advances in microfluidic and nanofluidic intracellular delivery strategies and discusses new opportunities and challenges for clinical applications. Furthermore, key considerations for future efforts to develop microfluidics- and nanofluidics-enabled next-generation intracellular delivery platforms are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongsoo Hur
- School of Biomedical EngineeringKorea UniversitySeoul02841Republic of Korea
| | - Aram J. Chung
- School of Biomedical EngineeringInterdisciplinary Program in Precision Public HealthKorea UniversitySeoul02841Republic of Korea
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24
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Jarrell JA, Sytsma BJ, Wilson LH, Pan FL, Lau KHWJ, Kirby GTS, Lievano AA, Pawell RS. Numerical optimization of microfluidic vortex shedding for genome editing T cells with Cas9. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11818. [PMID: 34083685 PMCID: PMC8175688 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91307-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic vortex shedding (µVS) can rapidly deliver mRNA to T cells with high yield and minimal perturbation of the cell state. The mechanistic underpinning of µVS intracellular delivery remains undefined and µVS-Cas9 genome editing requires further studies. Herein, we evaluated a series of µVS devices containing splitter plates to attenuate vortex shedding and understand the contribution of computed force and frequency on efficiency and viability. We then selected a µVS design to knockout the expression of the endogenous T cell receptor in primary human T cells via delivery of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) with and without brief exposure to an electric field (eµVS). µVS alone resulted in an equivalent yield of genome-edited T cells relative to electroporation with improved cell quality. A 1.8-fold increase in editing efficiency was demonstrated with eµVS with negligible impact on cell viability. Herein, we demonstrate efficient processing of 5 × 106 cells suspend in 100 µl of cGMP OptiMEM in under 5 s, with the capacity of a single device to process between 106 to 108 in 1 to 30 s. Cumulatively, these results demonstrate the rapid and robust utility of µVS and eµVS for genome editing human primary T cells with Cas9 RNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Giles T S Kirby
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia
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25
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Salari A, Appak-Baskoy S, Coe IR, Abousawan J, Antonescu CN, Tsai SSH, Kolios MC. Dosage-controlled intracellular delivery mediated by acoustofluidics for lab on a chip applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:1788-1797. [PMID: 33734246 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01303j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biological research and many cell-based therapies rely on the successful delivery of cargo materials into cells. Intracellular delivery in an in vitro setting refers to a variety of physical and biochemical techniques developed for conducting rapid and efficient transport of materials across the plasma membrane. Generally, the techniques that are time-efficient (e.g., electroporation) suffer from heterogeneity and low cellular viability, and those that are precise (e.g., microinjection) suffer from low-throughput and are labor-intensive. Here, we present a novel in vitro microfluidic strategy for intracellular delivery, which is based on the acoustic excitation of adherent cells. Strong mechanical oscillations, mediated by Lamb waves, inside a microfluidic channel facilitate the cellular uptake of different size (e.g., 3-500 kDa, plasmid encoding EGFP) cargo materials through endocytic pathways. We demonstrate successful delivery of 500 kDa dextran to various adherent cell lines with unprecedented efficiency in the range of 65-85% above control. We also show that actuation voltage and treatment duration can be tuned to control the dosage of delivered substances. High viability (≥91%), versatility across different cargo materials and various adherent cell lines, scalability to hundreds of thousands of cells per treatment, portability, and ease-of-operation are among the unique features of this acoustofluidic strategy. Potential applications include targeting through endocytosis-dependant pathways in cellular disorders, such as lysosomal storage diseases, which other physical methods are unable to address. This novel acoustofluidic method achieves rapid, uniform, and scalable delivery of material into cells, and may find utility in lab-on-a-chip applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alinaghi Salari
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada and Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Sila Appak-Baskoy
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada and Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Imogen R Coe
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada and Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada and Molecular Science Graduate Program, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B2K3, Canada
| | - John Abousawan
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada and Molecular Science Graduate Program, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B2K3, Canada
| | - Costin N Antonescu
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada and Molecular Science Graduate Program, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B2K3, Canada
| | - Scott S H Tsai
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada and Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada.
| | - Michael C Kolios
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada and Department of Physics, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada.
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26
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Kumar ARK, Shou Y, Chan B, L K, Tay A. Materials for Improving Immune Cell Transfection. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2007421. [PMID: 33860598 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202007421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy holds great promise for preventing and treating deadly diseases such as cancer. However, it remains challenging to transfect and engineer primary immune cells for clinical cell manufacturing. Conventional tools using viral vectors and bulk electroporation suffer from low efficiency while posing risks like viral transgene integration and excessive biological perturbations. Emerging techniques using microfluidics, nanoparticles, and high-aspect-ratio nanostructures can overcome these challenges, and on top of that, provide universal and high-throughput cargo delivery. Herein, the strengths and limitations of traditional and emerging materials for immune cell transfection, and commercial development of these tools, are discussed. To enhance the characterization of transfection techniques and uptake by the clinical community, a list of in vitro and in vivo assays to perform, along with relevant protocols, is recommended. The overall aim, herein, is to motivate the development of novel materials to meet rising demand in transfection for clinical CAR-T cell manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun R K Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Yufeng Shou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Brian Chan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Krishaa L
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
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27
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Raes L, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K, Braeckmans K. Non-viral transfection technologies for next-generation therapeutic T cell engineering. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 49:107760. [PMID: 33932532 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Genetically engineered T cells have sparked interest in advanced cancer treatment, reaching a milestone in 2017 with two FDA-approvals for CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapeutics. It is becoming clear that the next generation of CAR T cell therapies will demand more complex engineering strategies and combinations thereof, including the use of revolutionary gene editing approaches. To date, manufacturing of CAR T cells mostly relies on γ-retroviral or lentiviral vectors, but their use is associated with several drawbacks, including safety issues, high manufacturing cost and vector capacity constraints. Non-viral approaches, including membrane permeabilization and carrier-based techniques, have therefore gained a lot of interest to replace viral transductions in the manufacturing of T cell therapeutics. This review provides an in-depth discussion on the avid search for alternatives to viral vectors, discusses key considerations for T cell engineering technologies, and provides an overview of the emerging spectrum of non-viral transfection technologies for T cells. Strengths and weaknesses of each technology will be discussed in relation to T cell engineering. Altogether, this work emphasizes the potential of non-viral transfection approaches to advance the next-generation of genetically engineered T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens Raes
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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28
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Morshedi Rad D, Alsadat Rad M, Razavi Bazaz S, Kashaninejad N, Jin D, Ebrahimi Warkiani M. A Comprehensive Review on Intracellular Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2005363. [PMID: 33594744 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular delivery is considered an indispensable process for various studies, ranging from medical applications (cell-based therapy) to fundamental (genome-editing) and industrial (biomanufacture) approaches. Conventional macroscale delivery systems critically suffer from such issues as low cell viability, cytotoxicity, and inconsistent material delivery, which have opened up an interest in the development of more efficient intracellular delivery systems. In line with the advances in microfluidics and nanotechnology, intracellular delivery based on micro- and nanoengineered platforms has progressed rapidly and held great promises owing to their unique features. These approaches have been advanced to introduce a smorgasbord of diverse cargoes into various cell types with the maximum efficiency and the highest precision. This review differentiates macro-, micro-, and nanoengineered approaches for intracellular delivery. The macroengineered delivery platforms are first summarized and then each method is categorized based on whether it employs a carrier- or membrane-disruption-mediated mechanism to load cargoes inside the cells. Second, particular emphasis is placed on the micro- and nanoengineered advances in the delivery of biomolecules inside the cells. Furthermore, the applications and challenges of the established and emerging delivery approaches are summarized. The topic is concluded by evaluating the future perspective of intracellular delivery toward the micro- and nanoengineered approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorsa Morshedi Rad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Maryam Alsadat Rad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Sajad Razavi Bazaz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Navid Kashaninejad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Dayong Jin
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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Linnik DS, Tarakanchikova YV, Zyuzin MV, Lepik KV, Aerts JL, Sukhorukov G, Timin AS. Layer-by-Layer technique as a versatile tool for gene delivery applications. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2021; 18:1047-1066. [DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2021.1879790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrii S. Linnik
- Laboratory of Micro-Encapsulation and Targeted Delivery of Biologically Active Compounds, Peter The Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Yana V. Tarakanchikova
- Laboratory of Micro-Encapsulation and Targeted Delivery of Biologically Active Compounds, Peter The Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, St. Petersburg Academic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Mikhail V. Zyuzin
- Department of Physics and Engineering, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kirill V. Lepik
- Department of Hematology, Transfusion, and Transplantation, First I. P. Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Joeri L. Aerts
- Laboratory of Micro-Encapsulation and Targeted Delivery of Biologically Active Compounds, Peter The Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy Lab (NAVI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gleb Sukhorukov
- Laboratory of Micro-Encapsulation and Targeted Delivery of Biologically Active Compounds, Peter The Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- School of Engineering and Material Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo Innovation Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander S. Timin
- Laboratory of Micro-Encapsulation and Targeted Delivery of Biologically Active Compounds, Peter The Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Research School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russia
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30
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Hur J, Park I, Lim KM, Doh J, Cho SG, Chung AJ. Microfluidic Cell Stretching for Highly Effective Gene Delivery into Hard-to-Transfect Primary Cells. ACS NANO 2020; 14:15094-15106. [PMID: 33034446 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c05169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapy and cellular engineering begin with internalizing synthetic biomolecules and functional nanomaterials into primary cells. Conventionally, electroporation, lipofection, or viral transduction has been used; however, these are limited by their cytotoxicity, low scalability, cost, and/or preparation complexity, especially in primary cells. Thus, a universal intracellular delivery method that outperforms the existing methods must be established. Here, we present a versatile intracellular delivery platform that leverages intrinsic inertial flow developed in a T-junction microchannel with a cavity. The elongational recirculating flows exerted in the channel substantially stretch the cells, creating discontinuities on cell membranes, thereby enabling highly effective internalization of nanomaterials, such as plasmid DNA (7.9 kbp), mRNA, siRNA, quantum dots, and large nanoparticles (300 nm), into different cell types, including hard-to-transfect primary stem and immune cells. We identified that the internalization mechanism of external cargos during the cell elongation-restoration process is achieved by both passive diffusion and convection-based rapid solution exchange across the cell membrane. Using fluidic cell mechanoporation, we demonstrated a transfection yield superior to that of other state-of-the-art microfluidic platforms as well as current benchtop techniques, including lipofectamine and electroporation. In summary, the intracellular delivery platform developed in the present study enables a high delivery efficiency (up to 98%), easy operation (single-step), low material cost (<$1), high scalability (1 × 106 cells/min), minimal cell perturbation (up to 90%), and cell type/cargo insensitive delivery, providing a practical and robust approach anticipated to critically impact cell-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongsoo Hur
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Inae Park
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering (I-Bio), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Min Lim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology and Incurable Disease Animal Model and Stem Cell Institute (IDASI), Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Junsang Doh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ssang-Goo Cho
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology and Incurable Disease Animal Model and Stem Cell Institute (IDASI), Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Aram J Chung
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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31
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Duckert B, Vinkx S, Braeken D, Fauvart M. Single-cell transfection technologies for cell therapies and gene editing. J Control Release 2020; 330:963-975. [PMID: 33160005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.10.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Advances in gene editing and cell therapies have recently led to outstanding clinical successes. However, the lack of a cost-effective manufacturing process prevents the democratization of these innovative medical tools. Due to the common use of viral vectors, the step of transfection in which cells are engineered to gain new functions, is a major bottleneck in making safe and affordable cell products. A promising opportunity lies in Single-Cell Transfection Technologies (SCTTs). SCTTs have demonstrated higher efficiency, safety and scalability than conventional transfection methods. They can also feature unique abilities such as substantial dosage control over the cargo delivery, single-cell addressability and integration in microdevices comprising multiple monitoring modalities. Unfortunately, the potential of SCTTs is not fully appreciated: they are most often restricted to research settings with little adoption in clinical settings. To encourage their adoption, we review and compare recent developments in SCTTs, and how they can enable selected clinical applications. To help bridge the gap between fundamental research and its translation to the clinic, we also describe how Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) can be integrated in the design of SCTTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Duckert
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200d, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; IMEC, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
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32
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Mashel TV, Tarakanchikova YV, Muslimov AR, Zyuzin MV, Timin AS, Lepik KV, Fehse B. Overcoming the delivery problem for therapeutic genome editing: Current status and perspective of non-viral methods. Biomaterials 2020; 258:120282. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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33
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Lissandrello CA, Santos JA, Hsi P, Welch M, Mott VL, Kim ES, Chesin J, Haroutunian NJ, Stoddard AG, Czarnecki A, Coppeta JR, Freeman DK, Flusberg DA, Balestrini JL, Tandon V. High-throughput continuous-flow microfluidic electroporation of mRNA into primary human T cells for applications in cellular therapy manufacturing. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18045. [PMID: 33093518 PMCID: PMC7582186 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73755-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Implementation of gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 in the manufacture of novel cell-based therapeutics has the potential to enable highly-targeted, stable, and persistent genome modifications without the use of viral vectors. Electroporation has emerged as a preferred method for delivering gene-editing machinery to target cells, but a major challenge remaining is that most commercial electroporation machines are built for research and process development rather than for large-scale, automated cellular therapy manufacturing. Here we present a microfluidic continuous-flow electrotransfection device designed for precise, consistent, and high-throughput genetic modification of target cells in cellular therapy manufacturing applications. We optimized our device for delivery of mRNA into primary human T cells and demonstrated up to 95% transfection efficiency with minimum impact on cell viability and expansion potential. We additionally demonstrated processing of samples comprising up to 500 million T cells at a rate of 20 million cells/min. We anticipate that our device will help to streamline the production of autologous therapies requiring on the order of 10[Formula: see text]-10[Formula: see text] cells, and that it is well-suited to scale for production of trillions of cells to support emerging allogeneic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose A Santos
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Peter Hsi
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Michaela Welch
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Vienna L Mott
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Ernest S Kim
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jordan Chesin
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Aaron G Stoddard
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Andrew Czarnecki
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Daniel K Freeman
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Vishal Tandon
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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34
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Harizaj A, De Smedt SC, Lentacker I, Braeckmans K. Physical transfection technologies for macrophages and dendritic cells in immunotherapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 18:229-247. [PMID: 32985919 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2021.1828340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, two important antigen presenting cells (APCs) of the innate immune system, are being explored for the use in cell-based cancer immunotherapy. For this application, the therapeutic potential of patient-derived APCs is increased by delivering different types of functional macromolecules, such as mRNA and pDNA, into their cytosol. Compared to the use of viral and non-viral delivery vectors, physical intracellular delivery techniques are known to be more straightforward, more controllable, faster and generate high delivery efficiencies. AREAS COVERED This review starts with electroporation as the most traditional physical transfection method, before continuing with the more recent technologies such as sonoporation, nanowires and microfluidic cell squeezing. A description is provided of each of those intracellular delivery technologies with their strengths and weaknesses, especially paying attention to delivery efficiency and safety profile. EXPERT OPINION Given the common use of electroporation for the production of therapeutic APCs, it is recommended that more detailed studies are performed on the effect of electroporation on APC fitness, even down to the genetic level. Newer intracellular delivery technologies seem to have less impact on APC functionality but further work is needed to fully uncover their suitability to transfect APCs with different types of macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aranit Harizaj
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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35
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Raes L, Stremersch S, Fraire JC, Brans T, Goetgeluk G, De Munter S, Van Hoecke L, Verbeke R, Van Hoeck J, Xiong R, Saelens X, Vandekerckhove B, De Smedt S, Raemdonck K, Braeckmans K. Intracellular Delivery of mRNA in Adherent and Suspension Cells by Vapor Nanobubble Photoporation. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2020; 12:185. [PMID: 34138203 PMCID: PMC7770675 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-020-00523-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Efficient and safe cell engineering by transfection of nucleic acids remains one of the long-standing hurdles for fundamental biomedical research and many new therapeutic applications, such as CAR T cell-based therapies. mRNA has recently gained increasing attention as a more safe and versatile alternative tool over viral- or DNA transposon-based approaches for the generation of adoptive T cells. However, limitations associated with existing nonviral mRNA delivery approaches hamper progress on genetic engineering of these hard-to-transfect immune cells. In this study, we demonstrate that gold nanoparticle-mediated vapor nanobubble (VNB) photoporation is a promising upcoming physical transfection method capable of delivering mRNA in both adherent and suspension cells. Initial transfection experiments on HeLa cells showed the importance of transfection buffer and cargo concentration, while the technology was furthermore shown to be effective for mRNA delivery in Jurkat T cells with transfection efficiencies up to 45%. Importantly, compared to electroporation, which is the reference technology for nonviral transfection of T cells, a fivefold increase in the number of transfected viable Jurkat T cells was observed. Altogether, our results point toward the use of VNB photoporation as a more gentle and efficient technology for intracellular mRNA delivery in adherent and suspension cells, with promising potential for the future engineering of cells in therapeutic and fundamental research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens Raes
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stephan Stremersch
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Juan C Fraire
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Toon Brans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Glenn Goetgeluk
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stijn De Munter
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lien Van Hoecke
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rein Verbeke
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jelter Van Hoeck
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ranhua Xiong
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Saelens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Vandekerckhove
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry & Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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36
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Kang G, Carlson DW, Kang TH, Lee S, Haward SJ, Choi I, Shen AQ, Chung AJ. Intracellular Nanomaterial Delivery via Spiral Hydroporation. ACS NANO 2020; 14:3048-3058. [PMID: 32069037 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b07930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent nanobiotechnology developments, a wide variety of functional nanomaterials and engineered biomolecules have been created, and these have numerous applications in cell biology. For these nanomaterials to fulfill their promises completely, they must be able to reach their biological targets at the subcellular level and with a high level of specificity. Traditionally, either nanocarrier- or membrane disruption-based method has been used to deliver nanomaterials inside cells; however, these methods are suboptimal due to their toxicity, inconsistent delivery, and low throughput, and they are also labor intensive and time-consuming, highlighting the need for development of a next-generation, intracellular delivery system. This study reports on the development of an intracellular nanomaterial delivery platform, based on unexpected cell-deformation phenomena via spiral vortex and vortex breakdown exerted in the cross- and T-junctions at moderate Reynolds numbers. These vortex-induced cell deformation and sequential restoration processes open cell membranes transiently, allowing effective and robust intracellular delivery of nanomaterials in a single step without the aid of carriers or external apparatus. By using the platform described here (termed spiral hydroporator), we demonstrate the delivery of different nanomaterials, including gold nanoparticles (200 nm diameter), functional mesoporous silica nanoparticles (150 nm diameter), dextran (hydrodynamic diameters between 2-55 nm), and mRNA, into different cell types. We demonstrate here that the system is highly efficient (up to 96.5%) with high throughput (up to 1 × 106 cells/min) and rapid delivery (∼1 min) while maintaining high levels of cell viability (up to 94%).
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Affiliation(s)
- GeoumYoung Kang
- Department of Bio-convergence Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Daniel W Carlson
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Tae Ho Kang
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungki Lee
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Simon J Haward
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Inhee Choi
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Amy Q Shen
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Aram J Chung
- Department of Bio-convergence Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bioengineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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37
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Ahmed H, Ramesan S, Lee L, Rezk AR, Yeo LY. On-Chip Generation of Vortical Flows for Microfluidic Centrifugation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1903605. [PMID: 31535785 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201903605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microcentrifugation constitutes an important part of the microfluidic toolkit in a similar way that centrifugation is crucial to many macroscopic procedures, given that micromixing, sample preconcentration, particle separation, component fractionation, and cell agglomeration are essential operations in small scale processes. Yet, the dominance of capillary and viscous effects, which typically tend to retard flow, over inertial and gravitational forces, which are often useful for actuating flows and hence centrifugation, at microscopic scales makes it difficult to generate rotational flows at these dimensions, let alone with sufficient vorticity to support efficient mixing, separation, concentration, or aggregation. Herein, the various technologies-both passive and active-that have been developed to date for vortex generation in microfluidic devices are reviewed. Various advantages or limitations associated with each are outlined, in addition to highlighting the challenges that need to be overcome for their incorporation into integrated microfluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Ahmed
- Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Shwathy Ramesan
- Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Lillian Lee
- Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Amgad R Rezk
- Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Leslie Y Yeo
- Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
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38
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Rao M, Dodoo E, Zumla A, Maeurer M. Immunometabolism and Pulmonary Infections: Implications for Protective Immune Responses and Host-Directed Therapies. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:962. [PMID: 31134013 PMCID: PMC6514247 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The biology and clinical efficacy of immune cells from patients with infectious diseases or cancer are associated with metabolic programming. Host immune- and stromal-cell genetic and epigenetic signatures in response to the invading pathogen shape disease pathophysiology and disease outcomes. Directly linked to the immunometabolic axis is the role of the host microbiome, which is also discussed here in the context of productive immune responses to lung infections. We also present host-directed therapies (HDT) as a clinically viable strategy to refocus dysregulated immunometabolism in patients with infectious diseases, which requires validation in early phase clinical trials as adjuncts to conventional antimicrobial therapy. These efforts are expected to be continuously supported by newly generated basic and translational research data to gain a better understanding of disease pathology while devising new molecularly defined platforms and therapeutic options to improve the treatment of patients with pulmonary infections, particularly in relation to multidrug-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Rao
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ernest Dodoo
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Maeurer
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Oncology and Haematology, Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt, Germany
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