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Updated: Feb 7, 2026
Microfluidic Co-Culture Models for Dissecting the Immune Response in in vitro Tumor Microenvironments
Published on: April 30, 2021
Studying TCR T cell anti-tumor activity in a microfluidic intrahepatic tumor model
Giulia Adriani1, Andrea Pavesi2, Roger D Kamm3
1BioSystems and Micromechanics IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract:
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) is showing promising results in clinical trials but many challenges remain in understanding the key role of the tumor microenvironment. These challenges constitute a major barrier to advancing the field. Therefore, it is crucial to perform preclinical tests of the developed ACT strategies in a fast and reproducible way to assess the potential for patient therapy. Here, we describe the development of an intrahepatic tumor model in a microfluidic device for screening T cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies and the role of monocytes in these therapies. This system can be used to test also the effects of supporting cytokine administration and changes in oxygen level that are typically found in a liver tumor microenvironment. As a result, these 3D microfluidic assays provide a means to quantify T cell anti-tumor activity under different conditions to optimize existing therapeutic strategies or the design of new ones.
Insights
This study presents a novel microfluidic model for rapid preclinical testing of adoptive cell therapy (ACT) in liver cancer. The model assesses T cell activity within the tumor microenvironment to optimize immunotherapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) shows promise for cancer treatment but faces challenges due to the tumor microenvironment.
- Understanding the tumor microenvironment is crucial for improving ACT efficacy and overcoming treatment barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid and reproducible preclinical model for evaluating ACT strategies.
- To investigate the role of monocytes and the liver tumor microenvironment in ACT efficacy.
- To optimize T cell-based immunotherapies through advanced preclinical testing.
Main Methods:
- Development of a 3D intrahepatic tumor model utilizing microfluidic technology.
- Screening of T cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies within the microfluidic system.
- Assessment of factors like cytokine administration and oxygen levels mimicking the liver tumor microenvironment.
Main Results:
- The microfluidic system enables quantitative assessment of T cell anti-tumor activity.
- The model effectively simulates key aspects of the liver tumor microenvironment.
- The platform facilitates the evaluation of therapeutic strategies under various conditions.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D microfluidic assay is a valuable tool for preclinical screening of ACT.
- This model aids in optimizing existing immunotherapies and designing novel treatment strategies.
- It provides a faster and more reproducible method for evaluating ACT potential in patient therapy.
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