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Mazzaglia C, Munir H, Lei IM, Gerigk M, Huang YYS, Shields JD. Modeling Structural Elements and Functional Responses to Lymphatic-Delivered Cues in a Murine Lymph Node on a Chip. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303720. [PMID: 38626388 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303720] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Lymph nodes (LNs) are organs of the immune system, critical for maintenance of homeostasis and initiation of immune responses, yet there are few models that accurately recapitulate LN functions in vitro. To tackle this issue, an engineered murine LN (eLN) has been developed, replicating key cellular components of the mouse LN; incorporating primary murine lymphocytes, fibroblastic reticular cells, and lymphatic endothelial cells. T and B cell compartments are incorporated within the eLN that mimic LN cortex and paracortex architectures. When challenged, the eLN elicits both robust inflammatory responses and antigen-specific immune activation, showing that the system can differentiate between non specific and antigen-specific stimulation and can be monitored in real time. Beyond immune responses, this model also enables interrogation of changes in stromal cells, thus permitting investigations of all LN cellular components in homeostasis and different disease settings, such as cancer. Here, how LN behavior can be influenced by murine melanoma-derived factors is presented. In conclusion, the eLN model presents a promising platform for in vitro study of LN biology that will enhance understanding of stromal and immune responses in the murine LN, and in doing so will enable development of novel therapeutic strategies to improve LN responses in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Mazzaglia
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, UK
- The Nanoscience Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0FF, UK
| | - Hafsa Munir
- Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology Mainz (HI-TRON Mainz), 55131, Mainz, Germany
- Division of Dermal Oncoimmunology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Iek Man Lei
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Magda Gerigk
- The Nanoscience Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0FF, UK
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Yan Yan Shery Huang
- The Nanoscience Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0FF, UK
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Jacqueline D Shields
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, UK
- Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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Wang J, Zhang Z, Liang R, Chen W, Li Q, Xu J, Zhao H, Xing D. Targeting lymph nodes for enhanced cancer vaccination: From nanotechnology to tissue engineering. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101068. [PMID: 38711936 PMCID: PMC11070719 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymph nodes (LNs) occupy a critical position in initiating and augmenting immune responses, both spatially and functionally. In cancer immunotherapy, tumor-specific vaccines are blooming as a powerful tool to suppress the growth of existing tumors, as well as provide preventative efficacy against tumorigenesis. Delivering these vaccines more efficiently to LNs, where antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and T cells abundantly reside, is under extensive exploration. Formulating vaccines into nanomedicines, optimizing their physiochemical properties, and surface modification to specifically bind molecules expressed on LNs or APCs, are common routes and have brought encouraging outcomes. Alternatively, porous scaffolds can be engineered to attract APCs and provide an environment for them to mature, proliferate and migrate to LNs. A relatively new research direction is inducing the formation of LN-like organoids, which have shown positive relevance to tumor prognosis. Cutting-edge advances in these directions and discussions from a future perspective are given here, from which the up-to-date pattern of cancer vaccination will be drawn to hopefully provide basic guidance to future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zongying Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Rongxiang Liang
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao, 266033, China
| | - Wujun Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Qian Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Jiazhen Xu
- Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Hongmei Zhao
- Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Dongming Xing
- Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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Wang Q, Yang Y, Chen Z, Li B, Niu Y, Li X. Lymph Node-on-Chip Technology: Cutting-Edge Advances in Immune Microenvironment Simulation. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:666. [PMID: 38794327 PMCID: PMC11124897 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip technology is attracting growing interest across various domains as a crucial platform for drug screening and testing and is set to play a significant role in precision medicine research. Lymph nodes, being intricately structured organs essential for the body's adaptive immune responses to antigens and foreign particles, are pivotal in assessing the immunotoxicity of novel pharmaceuticals. Significant progress has been made in research on the structure and function of the lymphatic system. However, there is still an urgent need to develop prospective tools and techniques to delve deeper into its role in various diseases' pathological and physiological processes and to develop corresponding immunotherapeutic therapies. Organ chips can accurately reproduce the specific functional areas in lymph nodes to better simulate the complex microstructure of lymph nodes and the interactions between different immune cells, which is convenient for studying specific biological processes. This paper reviews existing lymph node chips and their design approaches. It discusses the applications of the above systems in modeling immune cell motility, cell-cell interactions, vaccine responses, drug testing, and cancer research. Finally, we summarize the challenges that current research faces in terms of structure, cell source, and extracellular matrix simulation of lymph nodes, and we provide an outlook on the future direction of integrated immune system chips.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiaoqiong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Q.W.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (B.L.); (Y.N.)
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Yin DE, Palin AC, Lombo TB, Mahon RN, Poon B, Wu DY, Atala A, Brooks KM, Chen S, Coyne CB, D’Souza MP, Fackler OT, Furler O’Brien RL, Garcia-de-Alba C, Jean-Philippe P, Karn J, Majji S, Muotri AR, Ozulumba T, Sakatis MZ, Schlesinger LS, Singh A, Spiegel HM, Struble E, Sung K, Tagle DA, Thacker VV, Tidball AM, Varthakavi V, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Wagar LE, Yeung CK, Ndhlovu LC, Ott M. 3D human tissue models and microphysiological systems for HIV and related comorbidities. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:526-543. [PMID: 38071144 PMCID: PMC11065605 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) human tissue models/microphysiological systems (e.g., organs-on-chips, organoids, and tissue explants) model HIV and related comorbidities and have potential to address critical questions, including characterization of viral reservoirs, insufficient innate and adaptive immune responses, biomarker discovery and evaluation, medical complexity with comorbidities (e.g., tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2), and protection and transmission during pregnancy and birth. Composed of multiple primary or stem cell-derived cell types organized in a dedicated 3D space, these systems hold unique promise for better reproducing human physiology, advancing therapeutic development, and bridging the human-animal model translational gap. Here, we discuss the promises and achievements with 3D human tissue models in HIV and comorbidity research, along with remaining barriers with respect to cell biology, virology, immunology, and regulatory issues.
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Morrison AI, Mikula AM, Spiekstra SW, de Kok M, Affandi AJ, Roest HP, van der Laan LJW, de Winde CM, Koning JJ, Gibbs S, Mebius RE. An Organotypic Human Lymph Node Model Reveals the Importance of Fibroblastic Reticular Cells for Dendritic Cell Function. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024; 21:455-471. [PMID: 38114886 PMCID: PMC10987465 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-023-00609-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human lymph node (HuLN) models have emerged with invaluable potential for immunological research and therapeutic application given their fundamental role in human health and disease. While fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are instrumental to HuLN functioning, their inclusion and recognition of importance for organotypic in vitro lymphoid models remain limited. METHODS Here, we established an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) model in a collagen-fibrin hydrogel with primary FRCs and a dendritic cell (DC) cell line (MUTZ-3 DC). To study and characterise the cellular interactions seen in this 3D FRC-DC organotypic model compared to the native HuLN; flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and cytokine/chemokine analysis were performed. RESULTS FRCs were pivotal for survival, proliferation and localisation of MUTZ-3 DCs. Additionally, we found that CD1a expression was absent on MUTZ-3 DCs that developed in the presence of FRCs during cytokine-induced MUTZ-3 DC differentiation, which was also seen with primary monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs). This phenotype resembled HuLN-resident DCs, which we detected in primary HuLNs, and these CD1a- MUTZ-3 DCs induced T cell proliferation within a mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR), indicating a functional DC status. FRCs expressed podoplanin (PDPN), CD90 (Thy-1), CD146 (MCAM) and Gremlin-1, thereby resembling the DC supporting stromal cell subset identified in HuLNs. CONCLUSION This 3D FRC-DC organotypic model highlights the influence and importance of FRCs for DC functioning in a more realistic HuLN microenvironment. As such, this work provides a starting point for the development of an in vitro HuLN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew I Morrison
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aleksandra M Mikula
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sander W Spiekstra
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael de Kok
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alsya J Affandi
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk P Roest
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luc J W van der Laan
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte M de Winde
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jasper J Koning
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reina E Mebius
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Zhou Q, Liu Q, Wang Y, Chen J, Schmid O, Rehberg M, Yang L. Bridging Smart Nanosystems with Clinically Relevant Models and Advanced Imaging for Precision Drug Delivery. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308659. [PMID: 38282076 PMCID: PMC11005737 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Intracellular delivery of nano-drug-carriers (NDC) to specific cells, diseased regions, or solid tumors has entered the era of precision medicine that requires systematic knowledge of nano-biological interactions from multidisciplinary perspectives. To this end, this review first provides an overview of membrane-disruption methods such as electroporation, sonoporation, photoporation, microfluidic delivery, and microinjection with the merits of high-throughput and enhanced efficiency for in vitro NDC delivery. The impact of NDC characteristics including particle size, shape, charge, hydrophobicity, and elasticity on cellular uptake are elaborated and several types of NDC systems aiming for hierarchical targeting and delivery in vivo are reviewed. Emerging in vitro or ex vivo human/animal-derived pathophysiological models are further explored and highly recommended for use in NDC studies since they might mimic in vivo delivery features and fill the translational gaps from animals to humans. The exploration of modern microscopy techniques for precise nanoparticle (NP) tracking at the cellular, organ, and organismal levels informs the tailored development of NDCs for in vivo application and clinical translation. Overall, the review integrates the latest insights into smart nanosystem engineering, physiological models, imaging-based validation tools, all directed towards enhancing the precise and efficient intracellular delivery of NDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoxia Zhou
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz MunichComprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC‐M)Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)85764MunichGermany
- Department of Forensic PathologyWest China School of Preclinical and Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityNo. 17 Third Renmin Road NorthChengdu610041China
- Burning Rock BiotechBuilding 6, Phase 2, Standard Industrial Unit, No. 7 LuoXuan 4th Road, International Biotech IslandGuangzhou510300China
| | - Qiongliang Liu
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz MunichComprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC‐M)Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)85764MunichGermany
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200080China
| | - Yan Wang
- Qingdao Central HospitalUniversity of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group)Qingdao266042China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Respiratory MedicineNational Key Clinical SpecialtyBranch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory DiseaseXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008China
- Center of Respiratory MedicineXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan ProvinceChangshaHunan410008China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory DiseaseChangshaHunan410008China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
| | - Otmar Schmid
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz MunichComprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC‐M)Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)85764MunichGermany
| | - Markus Rehberg
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz MunichComprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC‐M)Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)85764MunichGermany
| | - Lin Yang
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz MunichComprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC‐M)Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)85764MunichGermany
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Ozulumba T, Zatorski JM, Arneja A, Hammel JH, Braciale TJ, Luckey CJ, Munson JM, Pompano RR. Mitigating reactive oxygen species production and increasing gel porosity improves lymphocyte motility and fibroblast spreading in photocrosslinked gelatin-thiol hydrogels. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.14.574282. [PMID: 38293038 PMCID: PMC10827049 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.14.574282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
On-chip 3D culture systems that incorporate immune cells such as lymphocytes and stromal cells are needed to model immune organs in engineered systems such as organs-on-chip. Photocrosslinking is a useful tool for creating such immune-competent hydrogel cultures with spatial cell organization. However, loss of viability and motility in photocrosslinked gels can limit its utility, especially when working with fragile primary cells. We hypothesized that optimizing photoexposure-induced ROS production, hydrogel porosity or a combination of both factors was necessary to sustain cell viability and motility during culture in photocrosslinked gelatin-thiol (GelSH) hydrogels. Jurkat T cells, primary human CD4+ T cells and human lymphatic fibroblasts were selected as representative lymphoid immune cells to test this hypothesis. Direct exposure of these cells to 385 nm light and LAP photoinitiator dramatically increased ROS levels. Pretreatment with an antioxidant, ascorbic acid (AA), protected the cells from light + LAP-induced ROS and was non-toxic at optimized doses. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy showed that native GelSH hydrogels had limited porosity, and that adding collagen to GelSH precursor before crosslinking markedly increased gel porosity. Next, we tested the impact of AA pretreatment and increasing gel porosity, alone or in combination, on cell viability and function in 3D GelSH hydrogel cultures. Increasing gel porosity, rather than AA pretreatment, was more critical for rescuing viability of Jurkat T cells and spreading of human lymphatic fibroblasts in GelSH-based gels, but both factors improved the motility of primary human CD4+ T cells. Increased porosity enabled formation of spatially organized co-cultures of primary human CD4+ T cells and human lymphatic fibroblasts in photo-crosslinked gels in a multi-lane microfluidic chip, towards modeling the lymphoid organ microenvironment. Some optimization is still needed to improve homogeneity between regions on the chip. These findings will enable researchers utilizing photocrosslinking methods to develop immunocompetent 3D culture models that support viability and function of sensitive lymphoid cells.
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Peng JM, Su YL. Lymph node metastasis and tumor-educated immune tolerance: Potential therapeutic targets against distant metastasis. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115731. [PMID: 37541450 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Lymph node metastasis has been shown to positively associated with the prognosis of many cancers. However, in clinical treatment, lymphadenectomy is not always successful, suggesting that immune cells in the tumor and sentinel lymph nodes still play a pivotal role in tumor immunosuppression. Recent studies had shown that tumors can tolerate immune cells through multiple strategies, including tumor-induced macrophage reprogramming, T cells inactivation, production of B cells pathogenic antibodies and activation of regulatory T cells to promote tumor colonization, growth, and metastasis in lymph nodes. We reviewed the bidirectional effect of immune cells on anti-tumor or promotion of cancer cell metastasis during lymph node metastasis, and the mechanisms by which malignant cancer cells modify immune cells to create a more favorable environment for the growth and survival of cancer cells. Research and treatment strategies focusing on the immune system in lymph nodes and potential immune targets in lymph node metastasis were also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jei-Ming Peng
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 123, Dapi Rd., Niaosong Dist., Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Li Su
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, No. 123, Dapi Rd., Niaosong Dist., Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan.
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