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Kim S, Kim K. Lipid-mediated ex vivo cell surface engineering for augmented cellular functionalities. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 140:213059. [PMID: 35961186 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Once administrated, intercellular adhesion to recognize and/or arrest target cells is essential for specific treatments, especially for cancer or tumor. However, immune cells administrated into the tumor-microenvironment could lose their intrinsic functionalities such as target recognition ability, resulting in an ineffective cancer immunotherapy. Various manipulation techniques for decorating functional moieties onto cell surface and enhancing target recognition have been developed. A hydrophobic interaction-mediated ex-vivo cell surface engineering using lipid-based biomaterials could be a state-of-the-art engineering technique that could achieve high-efficiency cell surface modification by a single method without disturbance of intrinsic characteristics of cells. In this regard, this review provides design principles for the development of lipid-based biomaterials with a linear structure of lipid, polyethylene glycol, and functional group, strategies for the synthesis process, and their practical applications in biomedical engineering. Especially, we provide new insights into the development of a novel surface coating techniques for natural killer (NK) cells with engineering decoration of cancer targeting moieties on their cell surfaces. Among immune cells, NK cells are interesting cell population for substituting T cells because of their excellent safety and independent anticancer efficacy. Thus, optimal strategies to select cancer-type-specific targeting moieties and present them onto the surface of immune cells (especially, NK cells) using lipid-based biomaterials could provide additional tools to capture cancer cells for developing novel immune cell therapy products. Enhanced anticancer efficacies by surface-engineered NK cells have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, it could be speculated that recent progresses in cell surface modification technology via lipid-based biomaterials could strengthen immune surveillance and immune synapses for utilization in a next-generation cancer immunotherapy, beyond currently available genetic engineering tool such as chimeric antigen receptor-mediated immune cell modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjun Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyobum Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Akolpoglu MB, Inceoglu Y, Bozuyuk U, Sousa AR, Oliveira MB, Mano JF, Kizilel S. Recent advances in the design of implantable insulin secreting heterocellular islet organoids. Biomaterials 2020; 269:120627. [PMID: 33401104 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120627] [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: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Islet transplantation has proved one of the most remarkable transmissions from an experimental curiosity into a routine clinical application for the treatment of type I diabetes (T1D). Current efforts for taking this technology one-step further are now focusing on overcoming islet donor shortage, engraftment, prolonged islet availability, post-transplant vascularization, and coming up with new strategies to eliminate lifelong immunosuppression. To this end, insulin secreting 3D cell clusters composed of different types of cells, also referred as heterocellular islet organoids, spheroids, or pseudoislets, have been engineered to overcome the challenges encountered by the current islet transplantation protocols. β-cells or native islets are accompanied by helper cells, also referred to as accessory cells, to generate a cell cluster that is not only able to accurately secrete insulin in response to glucose, but also superior in terms of other key features (e.g. maintaining a vasculature, longer durability in vivo and not necessitating immunosuppression after transplantation). Over the past decade, numerous 3D cell culture techniques have been integrated to create an engineered heterocellular islet organoid that addresses current obstacles. Here, we first discuss the different cell types used to prepare heterocellular organoids for islet transplantation and their contribution to the organoids design. We then introduce various cell culture techniques that are incorporated to prepare a fully functional and insulin secreting organoids with select features. Finally, we discuss the challenges and present a future outlook for improving clinical outcomes of islet transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Birgul Akolpoglu
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Sariyer, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Inceoglu
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Sariyer, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ugur Bozuyuk
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Sariyer, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ana Rita Sousa
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials. University of Aveiro. Campus Universitário de Santiago. 3810-193 Aveiro. Portugal
| | - Mariana B Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials. University of Aveiro. Campus Universitário de Santiago. 3810-193 Aveiro. Portugal.
| | - João F Mano
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials. University of Aveiro. Campus Universitário de Santiago. 3810-193 Aveiro. Portugal
| | - Seda Kizilel
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Sariyer, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Teramura Y, Ekdahl KN, Fromell K, Nilsson B, Ishihara K. Potential of Cell Surface Engineering with Biocompatible Polymers for Biomedical Applications. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:12088-12106. [PMID: 32927948 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c01678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of the cellular surface with biomaterials can contribute to the progress of biomedical applications. In particular, the cell surface is exposed to immunological surveillance and reactions in transplantation therapy, and modulation of cell surface properties might improve transplantation outcomes. The transplantation of therapeutic cells, tissue, and organs is an effective and fundamental treatment and has contributed to saving lives and improving quality of life. Because of shortages, donor cells, tissues, and organs are carefully transplanted with the goal of retaining activity and viability. However, some issues remain to be resolved in terms of reducing side effects, improving graft survival, managing innate and adaptive immune responses, and improving transplant storage and procedures. Given that the transplantation process involves multiple steps and is technically complicated, an engineering approach together with medical approaches to resolving these issues could enhance success. In particular, cell surface engineering with biocompatible polymers looks promising for improving transplantation therapy and has potential for other biomedical applications. Here we review the significance of polymer-based surface modification of cells and organs for biomedical applications, focusing on the following three topics: Cell protection: cellular protection through local immune regulation using cell surface modification with biocompatible polymers. This protection could extend to preventing attack by the host immune system, freeing recipients from taking immunosuppressive drugs, and avoiding a second transplantation. Cell attachment: cell manipulation, which is an important technique for delivery of therapeutic cells and their alignment for recellularization of decellularized tissues and organs in regenerative therapy. Cell fusion: fusion of different cells, which can lead to the formation of new functional cells that could be useful for generating, e.g., immunologically competent or metabolically active cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Teramura
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology (IGP), Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kristina Nilsson Ekdahl
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology (IGP), Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
- Linnaeus Center of Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, SE-391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Karin Fromell
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology (IGP), Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bo Nilsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology (IGP), Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kazuhiko Ishihara
- Department of Material Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
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Togo S, Sato K, Kawamura R, Kobayashi N, Noiri M, Nakabayashi S, Teramura Y, Yoshikawa HY. Quantitative evaluation of the impact of artificial cell adhesion via DNA hybridization on E-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion. APL Bioeng 2020; 4:016103. [PMID: 32002498 PMCID: PMC6984976 DOI: 10.1063/1.5123749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmable cell adhesion with DNA hybridization is a promising approach for fabricating various tissue architectures without sophisticated instrumentation. However, little is known about how this artificial interaction influences the binding of cell adhesion proteins, E-cadherin. In this work, we designed a planar and fluid lipid membrane displaying E-cadherin and/or single-strand DNA with well-defined densities. Visualization of cells on membranes by fluorescence and interference microscopy revealed cell adhesion to be a two-step process: artificial adhesion by DNA hybridization within a few minutes followed by biological adhesion via cadherin-cadherin binding within hours. Furthermore, we discovered that DNA hybridization can substantially facilitate E-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion. The promotive effect is probably due to the enforced binding between E-cadherin molecules in geometrical confinement between two membranes. Our in vitro model of cell adhesion can potentially be used to design functional synthetic molecules that can regulate cell adhesion via cell adhesion proteins for tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shodai Togo
- Department of Chemistry, Saitama University, 338-8570 Saitama, Japan
| | - Ken Sato
- Department of Chemistry, Saitama University, 338-8570 Saitama, Japan
| | | | - Naritaka Kobayashi
- Division of Strategic Research and Development, Saitama University, 338-8570 Saitama, Japan
| | - Makoto Noiri
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Tokyo, 113-8656 Tokyo, Japan
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Wiggins SC, Abuid NJ, Gattás-Asfura KM, Kar S, Stabler CL. Nanotechnology Approaches to Modulate Immune Responses to Cell-based Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2020; 14:212-225. [PMID: 32116026 PMCID: PMC7196865 DOI: 10.1177/1932296819871947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Islet transplantation is a promising curative treatment option for type 1 diabetes (T1D) as it can provide physiological blood glucose control. The widespread utilization of islet transplantation is limited due to systemic immunosuppression requirements, persisting graft immunodestruction, and poor islet engraftment. Traditional macro- and micropolymeric encapsulation strategies can alleviate the need for antirejection immunosuppression, yet the increased graft volume and diffusional distances imparted by these coatings can be detrimental to graft viability and glucose control. Additionally, systemic administration of pro-engraftment and antirejection therapeutics leaves patients vulnerable to adverse off-target side effects. Nanoscale engineering techniques can be used to immunocamouflage islets, modulate the transplant microenvironment, and provide localized pro-engraftment cues. In this review, we discuss the applications of nanotechnology to advance the clinical potential of islet transplantation, with a focus on cell surface engineering, bioactive functionalization, and use of nanoparticles in T1D cell-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney C. Wiggins
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of
Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Abuid
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of
Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kerim M. Gattás-Asfura
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of
Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Saumadritaa Kar
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of
Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Cherie L. Stabler
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of
Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Pathak S, Pham TT, Jeong JH, Byun Y. Immunoisolation of pancreatic islets via thin-layer surface modification. J Control Release 2019; 305:176-193. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Ernst AU, Bowers DT, Wang LH, Shariati K, Plesser MD, Brown NK, Mehrabyan T, Ma M. Nanotechnology in cell replacement therapies for type 1 diabetes. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 139:116-138. [PMID: 30716349 PMCID: PMC6677642 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Islet transplantation is a promising long-term, compliance-free, complication-preventing treatment for type 1 diabetes. However, islet transplantation is currently limited to a narrow set of patients due to the shortage of donor islets and side effects from immunosuppression. Encapsulating cells in an immunoisolating membrane can allow for their transplantation without the need for immunosuppression. Alternatively, "open" systems may improve islet health and function by allowing vascular ingrowth at clinically attractive sites. Many processes that enable graft success in both approaches occur at the nanoscale level-in this review we thus consider nanotechnology in cell replacement therapies for type 1 diabetes. A variety of biomaterial-based strategies at the nanometer range have emerged to promote immune-isolation or modulation, proangiogenic, or insulinotropic effects. Additionally, coating islets with nano-thin polymer films has burgeoned as an islet protection modality. Materials approaches that utilize nanoscale features manipulate biology at the molecular scale, offering unique solutions to the enduring challenges of islet transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander U Ernst
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Daniel T Bowers
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Long-Hai Wang
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Kaavian Shariati
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Mitchell D Plesser
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Natalie K Brown
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Tigran Mehrabyan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Minglin Ma
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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Abbina S, Siren EMJ, Moon H, Kizhakkedathu JN. Surface Engineering for Cell-Based Therapies: Techniques for Manipulating Mammalian Cell Surfaces. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 4:3658-3677. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Majewski RL, Zhang W, Ma X, Cui Z, Ren W, Markel DC. Bioencapsulation technologies in tissue engineering. J Appl Biomater Funct Mater 2016; 14:e395-e403. [PMID: 27716872 PMCID: PMC5623183 DOI: 10.5301/jabfm.5000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioencapsulation technologies have played an important role in the developing successes of tissue engineering. Besides offering immunoisolation, they also show promise for cell/tissue banking and the directed differentiation of stem cells, by providing a unique microenvironment. This review describes bioencapsulation technologies and summarizes their recent progress in research into tissue engineering. The review concludes with a brief outlook regarding future research directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L. Majewski
- BioMolecular Engineering Program, Department of Physics and Chemistry, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, Wisconsin - USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin - USA
| | - Wujie Zhang
- BioMolecular Engineering Program, Department of Physics and Chemistry, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, Wisconsin - USA
| | - Xiaojun Ma
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dalian, Liaoning Province - PR China
| | - Zhanfeng Cui
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford - UK
| | - Weiping Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan - USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Providence Hospital and Medical Centers, Southfield, Michigan - USA
| | - David C. Markel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan - USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Providence Hospital and Medical Centers, Southfield, Michigan - USA
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Itagaki T, Arima Y, Kuwabara R, Kitamura N, Iwata H. Interaction between cells and poly(ethylene glycol)-lipid conjugates. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2015; 135:765-773. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Sequence-specific nuclease-mediated release of cells tethered by oligonucleotide phospholipids. Biomaterials 2015; 53:318-29. [PMID: 25890730 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.02.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Single-stranded oligonucleotide-conjugated lipids (ssDNA-PEG-lipids) that associate with the cell membrane confer to the cell an artificial adhesive capability via sequence-specific hybridization to complementary oligonucleotides, forming bonds of double stranded oligonucleotides (dsDNA). Such artificial tethers permit surface patterning of cells or controlled formation of cellular aggregates. However, the hybridization responsible for tethering cells to surfaces or to other cells is not trivially reversed under physiological conditions. In this study, we approach the unbinding of tethered cells by cleaving dsDNA bonds with restriction endonuclease BamHI or digesting bonds with the nonspecific nuclease Benzonase. The procedure was applied to CCRF-CEM cells bearing dsDNA suspended in isolation, cells tethered to glass substrates, and cells aggregated heterotypically with other ssDNA-bearing cells. Cells liberated from surfaces with BamHI could be flushed from flow chambers and viably recovered while the majority of cells not bearing enzyme recognition sequences were retained on the surface, and DNA-tethered cells could be nonspecifically recovered viably from surfaces after Benzonase treatment. Heterotypic aggregates of cells joined by recognition sequence DNA could be dispersed with 10 min exposure to BamHI while undispersed cells heterotypically aggregated with a control sequence remained. Likewise, 10 min exposure to Benzonase was sufficient to disperse aggregates independently of sequence. The potential to undo artificially engineered DNA-mediated adhesion offers new possibilities in the controlled arrangement of cells relative to other cells and in the study of membrane biophysics.
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Kim JC, Tae G. Recent Advances in Cell surface Engineering Focused on Cell Therapy. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/bkcs.10013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jong Chul Kim
- School of Materials Science and Engineering; Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology; Gwangju 500-712 Republic of Korea
| | - Giyoong Tae
- School of Materials Science and Engineering; Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology; Gwangju 500-712 Republic of Korea
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Transplantation of co-aggregates of Sertoli cells and islet cells into liver without immunosuppression. Transplantation 2014; 97:287-93. [PMID: 24342973 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000438198.76531.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplantation of islets of Langerhans (islets) was used to treat insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. However, islet grafts must be maintained by administration of immunosuppressive drugs, which can lead to complications in the long term. An approach that avoids immunosuppressive drug use is desirable. METHODS Co-aggregates of Sertoli cells and islet cells from BALB/c mice that were prepared by the hanging drop method were transplanted into C57BL/6 mouse liver through the portal vein as in human clinical islet transplantation. RESULTS The core part of the aggregates contained mainly Sertoli cells, and these cells were surrounded by islet cells. The co-aggregates retained the functions of both Sertoli and islet cells. When 800 co-aggregates were transplanted into seven C57BL/6 mice via the portal vein, six of seven recipient mice demonstrated quasi-normoglycemia for more than 100 days. CONCLUSIONS The hanging drop method is suitable for preparing aggregates of Sertoli and islet cells for transplantation. Notably, transplantation of these allogeneic co-aggregates into mice with chemically induced diabetes via the portal vein resulted in long-term graft survival without systemic immunosuppression.
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Hoffecker IT, Iwata H. Manipulation of cell sorting within mesenchymal stromal cell-islet cell multicellular spheroids. Tissue Eng Part A 2014; 20:1643-53. [PMID: 24380607 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2013.0305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Colocalization of islets with immunoprivileged cell types such as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is a potentially multifaceted and adaptive approach to islet protection. We attempted to colocalize MSCs with islets by creating single-celled suspensions of MSCs and cells from dissociated islets on top of arrays of round-bottomed wells. Segregation between islet-derived cells and MSCs was observed within 3 days. When ROCK inhibitor Y-27632-containing medium was used during the preparation of MSC/islet coaggregates, coaggregates sorted into core-shell structures with islet-derived cells occupying the exterior while MSCs occupied the core. Immunostaining revealed that MSC-derived regions transition from expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and CD44 to expression of E-cadherin, while pan-cadherin staining indicated reallocation of cadherins to cell borders, and shear-based cohesion measurements pointed to increased cohesive strength. The switch suggests that MSC-islet cohesion improved due to the greater degree of cell-cell adhesive compatibility. Functional evaluation of MSC-islet coaggregates confirmed normal insulin secretory function and partial suppression of anti-CD3-activated splenocyte proliferation. These findings demonstrate that manipulation of cell-cell interactions can be harnessed to control spheroid architecture in MSC-islet coaggregates, and this study also provides the basis for future islet therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian T Hoffecker
- Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University , Kyoto, Japan
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