THP-1 cell line: an in vitro cell model for immune modulation approach

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• THP-1 cells are a widely used human leukemia monocytic cell line.
• They serve as a model for monocyte/macrophage functions, signaling, and transport.
• This review focuses on recent publications utilizing the THP-1 cell model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize and discuss recent literature on the THP-1 cell model.
• To compare THP-1 cells with primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived monocytes/macrophages.
• To review the advantages, disadvantages, and applications of the THP-1 cell line.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent publications on THP-1 cells.
• Analysis of co-cultivation studies involving THP-1 cells.
• Overview of engineered THP-1 reporter and inflammasome test cells.

Main Results:

• THP-1 cells exhibit similarities and differences compared to primary monocytes/macrophages.
• Co-cultivation studies offer insights into cell-cell interactions and mimic in vivo conditions.
• THP-1 cells are relevant for studying macrophage polarization and immune-modulating effects of compounds.

Conclusions:

• The THP-1 cell line possesses unique characteristics for investigating immune modulation in vitro.
• It can predict potential ex vivo or in vivo responses.
• In vivo studies are essential to validate findings derived from the THP-1 model.