1
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Abouali H, Przedborski M, Kohandel M, Poudineh M. Investigating nano-sized tumor-derived extracellular vesicles in enhancing anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 39319505 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00729h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Anti-PD1 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has shown promising results for treating several aggressive cancers, enhancing patient survival rates. The variability in clinical response to anti-PD1 ICB is thought to be driven by patient-specific biology and heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TDEVs), nano-sized particles released from tumor cells, can modulate the tumor microenvironment, leading to immunosuppression and tumor progression. Hence, TDEVs may contribute to the variability in treatment response and play a crucial role in the failure of anti-PD1 immunotherapy. In this study, we develop a systems biology approach to interrogate the role of TDEVs on the response dynamics for anti-PD1 blockade. Our results suggest that the detection and profiling of TDEVs can help screen patients for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Moreover, the results in this study suggest that TDEVs and IL-12 can potentially be liquid biopsy biomarkers to profile patient response to anti-PD1 ICB and tailor patient-specific treatment protocols. Importantly, the methodology is generalizable to other types of cancer immunotherapies. Therefore, the collection of patient-specific liquid biopsy data, and the implementation of those data into the systems biology framework, may offer the opportunity to discover new biomarkers for patient drug screening and enable the continuous monitoring of patient response to treatment and adaptation of patient-specific immunotherapy treatment protocols to overcome therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesam Abouali
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Michelle Przedborski
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Mohammad Kohandel
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Mahla Poudineh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
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2
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Peng AY, Lee BE. Microphysiological Systems for Cancer Immunotherapy Research and Development. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300077. [PMID: 37409385 PMCID: PMC10770294 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy focuses on the use of patients' adaptive immune systems to combat cancer. In the past decade, FDA has approved many immunotherapy products for cancer patients who suffer from primary tumors, tumor relapse, and metastases. However, these immunotherapies still show resistance in many patients and often lead to inconsistent responses in patients due to variations in tumor genetic mutations and tumor immune microenvironment. Microfluidics-based organ-on-a-chip technologies or microphysiological systems have opened new ways that can provide relatively fast screening for personalized immunotherapy and help researchers and clinicians understand tumor-immune interactions in a patient-specific manner. They also have the potential to overcome the limitations of traditional drug screening and testing, given the models provide a more realistic 3D microenvironment with better controllability, reproducibility, and physiological relevance. This review focuses on the cutting-edge microphysiological organ-on-a-chip devices developed in recent years for studying cancer immunity and testing cancer immunotherapeutic agents, as well as some of the largest challenges of translating this technology to clinical applications in immunotherapy and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Yansong Peng
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - B. Esak Lee
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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3
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Rajagopal D, MacLeod E, Corogeanu D, Vessillier S. Immune-related adverse events of antibody-based biological medicines in cancer therapy. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18470. [PMID: 38963257 PMCID: PMC11223167 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18470] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant antibodies (Abs) are an integral modality for the treatment of multiple tumour malignancies. Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of rituximab as the first monoclonal antibody (mAb) for cancer treatment, several mAbs and antibody (Ab)-based therapies have been approved for the treatment of solid tumour malignancies and other cancers. These Abs function by either blocking oncogenic pathways or angiogenesis, modulating immune response, or by delivering a conjugated drug. The use of Ab-based therapy in cancer patients who could benefit from the treatment, however, is still limited by associated toxicity profiles which may stem from biological features and processes related to target binding, alongside biochemical and/or biophysical characteristics of the therapeutic Ab. A significant immune-related adverse event (irAE) associated with Ab-based therapies is cytokine release syndrome (CRS), characterized by the development of fever, rash and even marked, life-threatening hypotension, and acute inflammation with secondary to systemic uncontrolled increase in a range of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we review irAEs associated with specific classes of approved, Ab-based novel cancer immunotherapeutics, namely immune checkpoint (IC)-targeting Abs, bispecific Abs (BsAbs) and Ab-drug-conjugates (ADCs), highlighting the significance of harmonization in preclinical assay development for safety assessment of Ab-based biotherapeutics as an approach to support and refine clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Rajagopal
- Immunotherapy, Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Division, Science, Research, and Innovation Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)HertfordshireUK
| | - Elliot MacLeod
- Immunotherapy, Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Division, Science, Research, and Innovation Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)HertfordshireUK
- Present address:
Gilead Sciences, Winchester HouseOxfordUK
| | - Diana Corogeanu
- Immunotherapy, Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Division, Science, Research, and Innovation Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)HertfordshireUK
- Present address:
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Conquest HospitalEast SussexUK
| | - Sandrine Vessillier
- Immunotherapy, Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Division, Science, Research, and Innovation Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)HertfordshireUK
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4
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Deir S, Mozhdehbakhsh Mofrad Y, Mashayekhan S, Shamloo A, Mansoori-Kermani A. Step-by-step fabrication of heart-on-chip systems as models for cardiac disease modeling and drug screening. Talanta 2024; 266:124901. [PMID: 37459786 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are caused by hereditary factors, environmental conditions, and medication-related issues. On the other hand, the cardiotoxicity of drugs should be thoroughly examined before entering the market. In this regard, heart-on-chip (HOC) systems have been developed as a more efficient and cost-effective solution than traditional methods, such as 2D cell culture and animal models. HOCs must replicate the biology, physiology, and pathology of human heart tissue to be considered a reliable platform for heart disease modeling and drug testing. Therefore, many efforts have been made to find the best methods to fabricate different parts of HOCs and to improve the bio-mimicry of the systems in the last decade. Beating HOCs with different platforms have been developed and techniques, such as fabricating pumpless HOCs, have been used to make HOCs more user-friendly systems. Recent HOC platforms have the ability to simultaneously induce and record electrophysiological stimuli. Additionally, systems including both heart and cancer tissue have been developed to investigate tissue-tissue interactions' effect on cardiac tissue response to cancer drugs. In this review, all steps needed to be considered to fabricate a HOC were introduced, including the choice of cellular resources, biomaterials, fabrication techniques, biomarkers, and corresponding biosensors. Moreover, the current HOCs used for modeling cardiac diseases and testing the drugs are discussed. We finally introduced some suggestions for fabricating relatively more user-friendly HOCs and facilitating the commercialization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Deir
- School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Mozhdehbakhsh Mofrad
- Nano-Bioengineering Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Mashayekhan
- School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amir Shamloo
- Nano-Bioengineering Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
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5
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Zaryouh H, De Pauw I, Baysal H, Melis J, Van den Bossche V, Hermans C, Lau HW, Lambrechts H, Merlin C, Corbet C, Peeters M, Vermorken JB, De Waele J, Lardon F, Wouters A. Establishment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma mouse models for cetuximab resistance and sensitivity. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:709-728. [PMID: 38239393 PMCID: PMC10792481 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Aim: Acquired resistance to the targeted agent cetuximab poses a significant challenge in finding effective anti-cancer treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). To accurately study novel combination treatments, suitable preclinical mouse models for cetuximab resistance are key yet currently limited. This study aimed to optimize an acquired cetuximab-resistant mouse model, with preservation of the innate immunity, ensuring intact antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) functionality. Methods: Cetuximab-sensitive and acquired-resistant HNSCC cell lines, generated in vitro, were subcutaneously engrafted in Rag2 knock-out (KO), BALB/c Nude and CB17 Scid mice with/without Matrigel or Geltrex. Once tumor growth was established, mice were intraperitoneally injected twice a week with cetuximab for a maximum of 3 weeks. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the tumor and its microenvironment. Results: Despite several adjustments in cell number, cell lines and the addition of Matrigel, Rag2 KO and BALB/C Nude mice proved to be unsuitable for xenografting our HNSCC cell lines. Durable tumor growth of resistant SC263-R cells could be induced in CB17 Scid mice. However, these cells had lost their resistance phenotype in vivo. Immunohistochemistry revealed a high infiltration of macrophages in cetuximab-treated SC263-R tumors. FaDu-S and FaDu-R cells successfully engrafted into CB17 Scid mice and maintained their sensitivity/resistance to cetuximab. Conclusion: We have established in vivo HNSCC mouse models with intact ADCC functionality for cetuximab resistance and sensitivity using the FaDu-R and FaDu-S cell lines, respectively. These models serve as valuable tools for investigating cetuximab resistance mechanisms and exploring novel drug combination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Zaryouh
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Ines De Pauw
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Hasan Baysal
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Jöran Melis
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Valentin Van den Bossche
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels B-1200, Belgium
- Institut Roi Albert II, Department of Medical Oncology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels B-1200, Belgium
| | - Christophe Hermans
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Ho Wa Lau
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Hilde Lambrechts
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Céline Merlin
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Cyril Corbet
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels B-1200, Belgium
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem 2650, Belgium
| | - Jan Baptist Vermorken
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem 2650, Belgium
| | - Jorrit De Waele
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- The authors contributed equally
| | - An Wouters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- The authors contributed equally
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6
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Palacio-Castañeda V, van de Crommert B, Verploegen E, Overeem M, van Oostrum J, Verdurmen WP. Potent and selective eradication of tumor cells by an EpCAM-targeted Ras-degrading enzyme. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 30:16-26. [PMID: 37485031 PMCID: PMC10362089 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of efforts, an urgent need remains to develop tumor cell-selective rat sarcoma (Ras)-targeting therapies that can treat patients with Ras-driven tumors. Here we report modular engineered proteins that degrade Ras selectively in tumor cells that overexpress the tumor cell marker epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) by fusing the Ras degrader Ras-Rap1-specific endopeptidase with the translocation domain of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (ETA) or diphtheria toxin (DT). Redirection to EpCAM is achieved by a designed ankyrin repeat protein. In two-dimensional tumor cell cultures, complete degradation of Ras proteins after 24 h was observed with EpCAM-targeted Ras degraders fused to ETA or DT in EpCAM-overexpressing MCF7 and HCT116 cells, with median inhibition concentration values at sub-nanomolar levels. The viability of EpCAM-low non-cancerous fibroblasts remained unaffected. In a three-dimensional (3D) tumor-on-a-chip system that mimics the natural tumor microenvironment, effective Ras degradation and selective toxicity toward tumor cells, particularly with the ETA-fused constructs, was determined on-chip. To conclude, we demonstrate the potential of modular engineered proteins to kill tumor cells highly selectively by simultaneously exploiting EpCAM as a tumor-specific cell surface molecule as well as Ras as an intracellular oncotarget in a 3D system mimicking the natural tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Palacio-Castañeda
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bas van de Crommert
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Elke Verploegen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Mike Overeem
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jenny van Oostrum
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter P.R. Verdurmen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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7
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Green V, Baldwin L, England J, Marshall G, Frost L, Moore C, Greenman J. Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Biopsies Maintained Ex Vivo on a Perfusion Device Show Gene Changes with Time and Clinically Relevant Doses of Irradiation. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4575. [PMID: 37760543 PMCID: PMC10527562 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184575] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in 3-Dimensional (3D) culture models for studying disease have increased significantly over the last two decades, but fully understanding how these models represent in vivo still requires further investigation. The current study investigated differences in gene expression between a baseline sample and that maintained on a tissue-on-chip perfusion device for up to 96 h, with and without clinically-relevant doses of irradiation, to allow differentiation of model and treatment effects. Tumour tissue samples from 7 Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas (HNSCC) patients were sub-divided and either fixed immediately upon excision or maintained in a tissue-on-chip device for 48 and 96 h, with or without 2 Gray (Gy) or 10 Gy irradiation. Gene expression was measured using an nCounter® PanCancer Progression Panel. Differentially expressed genes between pre- and post-ex vivo culture, and control and irradiated samples were identified using nSolver software (version 4.0). The secretome from the tumour-on-chip was analysed for the presence of cytokines using a Proteome Profiler™ platform. Significant numbers of genes both increased (n = 6 and 64) and decreased (n = 18 and 58) in expression in the tissue maintained on-chip for 48 and 96 h, respectively, compared to fresh tissue; however, the irradiation schedule chosen did not induce significant changes in gene expression or cytokine secretion. Although HNSCC tissue maintained ex vivo shows a decrease in a large proportion of altered genes, 25% and 53% (48 and 96 h) do show increased expression, suggesting that the tissue remains functional. Irradiation of tumour tissue-on-chip needs to be conducted for longer time periods for specific gene changes to be observed, but we have shown, for the first time, the feasibility of using this perfusion platform for studying the genomic response of HNSCC tissue biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Green
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK; (L.B.); (J.G.)
| | - Lydia Baldwin
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK; (L.B.); (J.G.)
| | - James England
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Hull, Hull HU16 5JQ, UK;
| | - Gayle Marshall
- Medicines Discovery Catapult Ltd., Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK; (G.M.); (L.F.)
| | - Lucy Frost
- Medicines Discovery Catapult Ltd., Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK; (G.M.); (L.F.)
| | - Craig Moore
- Medical Physics Service, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Hull, Hull HU16 5JQ, UK;
| | - John Greenman
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK; (L.B.); (J.G.)
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8
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Mattei F, George JT, Jolly MK. Editorial: Organoids, organs-on-chip, nanoparticles and in silico approaches to dissect the tumor-immune dynamics and to unveil the drug resistance mechanisms to therapy in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1253551. [PMID: 37533861 PMCID: PMC10392942 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1253551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Mattei
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Jason T. George
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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9
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Van Os L, Engelhardt B, Guenat OT. Integration of immune cells in organs-on-chips: a tutorial. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1191104. [PMID: 37324438 PMCID: PMC10267470 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1191104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral and bacterial infections continue to pose significant challenges for numerous individuals globally. To develop novel therapies to combat infections, more insight into the actions of the human innate and adaptive immune system during infection is necessary. Human in vitro models, such as organs-on-chip (OOC) models, have proven to be a valuable addition to the tissue modeling toolbox. The incorporation of an immune component is needed to bring OOC models to the next level and enable them to mimic complex biological responses. The immune system affects many (patho)physiological processes in the human body, such as those taking place during an infection. This tutorial review introduces the reader to the building blocks of an OOC model of acute infection to investigate recruitment of circulating immune cells into the infected tissue. The multi-step extravasation cascade in vivo is described, followed by an in-depth guide on how to model this process on a chip. Next to chip design, creation of a chemotactic gradient and incorporation of endothelial, epithelial, and immune cells, the review focuses on the hydrogel extracellular matrix (ECM) to accurately model the interstitial space through which extravasated immune cells migrate towards the site of infection. Overall, this tutorial review is a practical guide for developing an OOC model of immune cell migration from the blood into the interstitial space during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette Van Os
- Organs-on-Chip Technologies, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Olivier T. Guenat
- Organs-on-Chip Technologies, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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10
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Benavente S. Remodeling the tumor microenvironment to overcome treatment resistance in HPV-negative head and neck cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:291-313. [PMID: 37457128 PMCID: PMC10344731 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive efforts and refined techniques, overall survival in HPV-negative head and neck cancer remains poor. Robust immune priming is required to elicit a strong and durable antitumor immune response in immunologically cold and excluded tumors like HPV-negative head and neck cancer. This review highlights how the tumor microenvironment could be affected by different immune and stromal cell types, weighs the need to integrate metabolic regulation of the tumor microenvironment into cancer treatment strategies and summarizes the emerging clinical applicability of personalized immunotherapeutic strategies in HPV-negative head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Benavente
- Correspondence to: Dr. Sergi Benavente, Department of Radiation Oncology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119, Barcelona 08035, Spain. E-mail:
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11
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Mattei F, Jolly MK. Interdisciplinary research in cancer and immunity employing biophysical approaches. iScience 2023; 26:106507. [PMID: 37250324 PMCID: PMC10214275 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Three leading scientists Fabrizio Mattei, Kandice Tanner, and Mohit Kumar Jolly working in different continents and in different areas of cancer and immunology came together for an iScience Special Issue focused on the biophysical aspect of the tumor-immune dynamics. In this backstory, the iScience editor discusses with Mattei and Jolly their thoughts about this topic, the current state of the field, the collection of articles in this Special Issue, and the future of the research in this area in the coming years, and personal advice to aspiring young minds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Mattei
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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12
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Michielon E, de Gruijl TD, Gibbs S. From simplicity to complexity in current melanoma models. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1818-1836. [PMID: 36103206 PMCID: PMC10092692 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite the recent impressive clinical success of immunotherapy against melanoma, development of primary and adaptive resistance against immune checkpoint inhibitors remains a major issue in a large number of treated patients. This highlights the need for melanoma models that replicate the tumor's intricate dynamics in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and associated immune suppression to study possible resistance mechanisms in order to improve current and test novel therapeutics. While two-dimensional melanoma cell cultures have been widely used to perform functional genomics screens in a high-throughput fashion, they are not suitable to answer more complex scientific questions. Melanoma models have also been established in a variety of experimental (humanized) animals. However, due to differences in physiology, such models do not fully represent human melanoma development. Therefore, fully human three-dimensional in vitro models mimicking melanoma cell interactions with the TME are being developed to address this need for more physiologically relevant models. Such models include melanoma organoids, spheroids, and reconstructed human melanoma-in-skin cultures. Still, while major advances have been made to complement and replace animals, these in vitro systems have yet to fully recapitulate human tumor complexity. Lastly, technical advancements have been made in the organ-on-chip field to replicate functions and microstructures of in vivo human tissues and organs. This review summarizes advancements made in understanding and treating melanoma and specifically aims to discuss the progress made towards developing melanoma models, their applications, limitations, and the advances still needed to further facilitate the development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Michielon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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A roadmap for translational cancer glycoimmunology at single cell resolution. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:143. [PMID: 35428302 PMCID: PMC9013178 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02335-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells can evade immune responses by exploiting inhibitory immune checkpoints. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies based on anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies have been extensively explored over the recent years to unleash otherwise compromised anti-cancer immune responses. However, it is also well established that immune suppression is a multifactorial process involving an intricate crosstalk between cancer cells and the immune systems. The cancer glycome is emerging as a relevant source of immune checkpoints governing immunosuppressive behaviour in immune cells, paving an avenue for novel immunotherapeutic options. This review addresses the current state-of-the-art concerning the role played by glycans controlling innate and adaptive immune responses, while shedding light on available experimental models for glycoimmunology. We also emphasize the tremendous progress observed in the development of humanized models for immunology, the paramount contribution of advances in high-throughput single-cell analysis in this context, and the importance of including predictive machine learning algorithms in translational research. This may constitute an important roadmap for glycoimmunology, supporting careful adoption of models foreseeing clinical translation of fundamental glycobiology knowledge towards next generation immunotherapies.
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14
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Liu X, Su Q, Zhang X, Yang W, Ning J, Jia K, Xin J, Li H, Yu L, Liao Y, Zhang D. Recent Advances of Organ-on-a-Chip in Cancer Modeling Research. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12111045. [PMID: 36421163 PMCID: PMC9688857 DOI: 10.3390/bios12111045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Although many studies have focused on oncology and therapeutics in cancer, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Due to the unclear molecular mechanism and complex in vivo microenvironment of tumors, it is challenging to reveal the nature of cancer and develop effective therapeutics. Therefore, the development of new methods to explore the role of heterogeneous TME in individual patients' cancer drug response is urgently needed and critical for the effective therapeutic management of cancer. The organ-on-chip (OoC) platform, which integrates the technology of 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, and microfluidics, is emerging as a new method to simulate the critical structures of the in vivo tumor microenvironment and functional characteristics. It overcomes the failure of traditional 2D/3D cell culture models and preclinical animal models to completely replicate the complex TME of human tumors. As a brand-new technology, OoC is of great significance for the realization of personalized treatment and the development of new drugs. This review discusses the recent advances of OoC in cancer biology studies. It focuses on the design principles of OoC devices and associated applications in cancer modeling. The challenges for the future development of this field are also summarized in this review. This review displays the broad applications of OoC technique and has reference value for oncology development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Qiuping Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Wenjian Yang
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Junhua Ning
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Kangle Jia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Jinlan Xin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Huanling Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Longfei Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Industrial Surfactant, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Yuheng Liao
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
| | - Diming Zhang
- Research Center for Intelligent Sensing Systems, Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou 311100, China
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15
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Mai P, Hampl J, Baca M, Brauer D, Singh S, Weise F, Borowiec J, Schmidt A, Küstner JM, Klett M, Gebinoga M, Schroeder IS, Markert UR, Glahn F, Schumann B, Eckstein D, Schober A. MatriGrid® Based Biological Morphologies: Tools for 3D Cell Culturing. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9050220. [PMID: 35621498 PMCID: PMC9138054 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9050220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent trends in 3D cell culturing has placed organotypic tissue models at another level. Now, not only is the microenvironment at the cynosure of this research, but rather, microscopic geometrical parameters are also decisive for mimicking a tissue model. Over the years, technologies such as micromachining, 3D printing, and hydrogels are making the foundation of this field. However, mimicking the topography of a particular tissue-relevant substrate can be achieved relatively simply with so-called template or morphology transfer techniques. Over the last 15 years, in one such research venture, we have been investigating a micro thermoforming technique as a facile tool for generating bioinspired topographies. We call them MatriGrid®s. In this research account, we summarize our learning outcome from this technique in terms of the influence of 3D micro morphologies on different cell cultures that we have tested in our laboratory. An integral part of this research is the evolution of unavoidable aspects such as possible label-free sensing and fluidic automatization. The development in the research field is also documented in this account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Mai
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Jörg Hampl
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (A.S.); Tel.: +49-3677-6933387 (A.S.)
| | - Martin Baca
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Dana Brauer
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Sukhdeep Singh
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Frank Weise
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Justyna Borowiec
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - André Schmidt
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; (A.S.); (U.R.M.)
| | - Johanna Merle Küstner
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Maren Klett
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Michael Gebinoga
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Insa S. Schroeder
- Biophysics Division, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, 64291 Darmstadt, Germany;
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; (A.S.); (U.R.M.)
| | - Felix Glahn
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06097 Halle, Germany; (F.G.); (B.S.); (D.E.)
| | - Berit Schumann
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06097 Halle, Germany; (F.G.); (B.S.); (D.E.)
| | - Diana Eckstein
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06097 Halle, Germany; (F.G.); (B.S.); (D.E.)
| | - Andreas Schober
- Department of Nano-Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ilmenau University of Technology, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany; (P.M.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (S.S.); (F.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.K.); (M.K.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (A.S.); Tel.: +49-3677-6933387 (A.S.)
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An Agent-Based Interpretation of Leukocyte Chemotaxis in Cancer-on-Chip Experiments. MATHEMATICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/math10081338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The present paper was inspired by recent developments in laboratory experiments within the framework of cancer-on-chip technology, an immune-oncology microfluidic chip aiming at studying the fundamental mechanisms of immunocompetent behavior. We focus on the laboratory setting where cancer is treated with chemotherapy drugs, and in this case, the effects of the treatment administration hypothesized by biologists are: the absence of migration and proliferation of tumor cells, which are dying; the stimulation of the production of chemical substances (annexin); the migration of leukocytes in the direction of higher concentrations of chemicals. Here, following the physiological hypotheses made by biologists on the phenomena occurring in these experiments, we introduce an agent-based model reproducing the dynamics of two cell populations (agents), i.e., tumor cells and leukocytes living in the microfluidic chip environment. Our model aims at proof of concept, demonstrating that the observations of the biological phenomena can be obtained by the model on the basis of the explicit assumptions made. In this framework, close adherence of the computational model to the biological results, as shown in the section devoted to the first calibration of the model with respect to available observations, is successfully accomplished.
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17
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Danku AE, Dulf EH, Braicu C, Jurj A, Berindan-Neagoe I. Organ-On-A-Chip: A Survey of Technical Results and Problems. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:840674. [PMID: 35223800 PMCID: PMC8866728 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.840674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip (OoC), also known as micro physiological systems or "tissue chips" have attracted substantial interest in recent years due to their numerous applications, especially in precision medicine, drug development and screening. Organ-on-a-chip devices can replicate key aspects of human physiology, providing insights into the studied organ function and disease pathophysiology. Moreover, these can accurately be used in drug discovery for personalized medicine. These devices present useful substitutes to traditional preclinical cell culture methods and can reduce the use of in vivo animal studies. In the last few years OoC design technology has seen dramatic advances, leading to a wide range of biomedical applications. These advances have also revealed not only new challenges but also new opportunities. There is a need for multidisciplinary knowledge from the biomedical and engineering fields to understand and realize OoCs. The present review provides a snapshot of this fast-evolving technology, discusses current applications and highlights advantages and disadvantages for biomedical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Ede Danku
- Department of Automation, Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Eva-H Dulf
- Department of Automation, Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ancuta Jurj
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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18
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Teixeira A, Carneiro A, Piairo P, Xavier M, Ainla A, Lopes C, Sousa-Silva M, Dias A, Martins AS, Rodrigues C, Pereira R, Pires LR, Abalde-Cela S, Diéguez L. Advances in Microfluidics for the Implementation of Liquid Biopsy in Clinical Routine. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1379:553-590. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-04039-9_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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19
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Advancing Tumor Microenvironment Research by Combining Organs-on-Chips and Biosensors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1379:171-203. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-04039-9_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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20
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Estimation Algorithm for a Hybrid PDE–ODE Model Inspired by Immunocompetent Cancer-on-Chip Experiment. AXIOMS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/axioms10040243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The present work is motivated by the development of a mathematical model mimicking the mechanisms observed in lab-on-chip experiments, made to reproduce on microfluidic chips the in vivo reality. Here we consider the Cancer-on-Chip experiment where tumor cells are treated with chemotherapy drug and secrete chemical signals in the environment attracting multiple immune cell species. The in silico model here proposed goes towards the construction of a “digital twin” of the experimental immune cells in the chip environment to better understand the complex mechanisms of immunosurveillance. To this aim, we develop a tumor-immune microfluidic hybrid PDE–ODE model to describe the concentration of chemicals in the Cancer-on-Chip environment and immune cells migration. The development of a trustable simulation algorithm, able to reproduce the immunocompetent dynamics observed in the chip, requires an efficient tool for the calibration of the model parameters. In this respect, the present paper represents a first methodological work to test the feasibility and the soundness of the calibration technique here proposed, based on a multidimensional spline interpolation technique for the time-varying velocity field surfaces obtained from cell trajectories.
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