Application of Immunocompetent Microphysiological Systems in Drug Development: Current Perspective and...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Preclinical drug development
• Microphysiological systems

Background:

• Immune responses are critical in numerous human diseases, acting as both defense and cause of damage.
• Current preclinical models often fail to accurately predict human immune responses to drugs.
• Microphysiological systems (MPS) are emerging as promising in vitro tools for immune system research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biological functions of immune organ systems and tissue-resident immune cells.
• To discuss the application of immunocompetent and immune organ MPS models in drug discovery.
• To provide recommendations for developing and utilizing these advanced in vitro models.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on immune system biology and preclinical models.
• Analysis of the capabilities of current immunocompetent and immune organ MPS.
• Discussion of the validation requirements for MPS to recapitulate human immune physiology.

Main Results:

• MPS can evaluate ex vivo immune organ responses and immune cell interactions with other tissues.
• These systems reduce reliance on animal models in preclinical studies.
• Established knowledge of immune cell development and trafficking aids in evaluating MPS models.

Conclusions:

• Immunocompetent MPS hold significant potential for drug discovery and development.
• Validating that MPS accurately reflect human immune physiology is crucial for their application.
• Continued development and strategic use of MPS can enhance the prediction of drug efficacy and toxicity.