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NK cells encapsulated in micro/macropore-forming hydrogels via 3D bioprinting for tumor immunotherapy
Dahong Kim1,2, Seona Jo3,4, Dongjin Lee1
1Nano Convergence & Manufacturing Systems, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Patients face a serious threat if a solid tumor leaves behind partial residuals or cannot be completely removed after surgical resection. Immunotherapy has attracted attention as a method to prevent this condition. However, the conventional immunotherapy method targeting solid tumors, that is, intravenous injection, has limitations in homing in on the tumor and in vivo expansion and has not shown effective clinical results.
Method:
To overcome these limitations, NK cells (Natural killer cells) were encapsulated in micro/macropore-forming hydrogels using 3D bioprinting to target solid tumors. Sodium alginate and gelatin were used to prepare micro-macroporous hydrogels. The gelatin contained in the alginate hydrogel was removed because of the thermal sensitivity of the gelatin, which can generate interconnected micropores where the gelatin was released. Therefore, macropores can be formed through bioprinting and micropores can be formed using thermally sensitive gelatin to make macroporous hydrogels.
Results:
It was confirmed that intentionally formed micropores could help NK cells to aggregate easily, which enhances cell viability, lysis activity, and cytokine release. Macropores can be formed using 3D bioprinting, which enables NK cells to receive the essential elements. We also characterized the functionality of NK 92 and zEGFR-CAR-NK cells in the pore-forming hydrogel. The antitumor effects on leukemia and solid tumors were investigated using an in vitro model.
Conclusion:
We demonstrated that the hydrogel encapsulating NK cells created an appropriate micro-macro environment for clinical applications of NK cell therapy for both leukemia and solid tumors via 3D bioprinting. 3D bioprinting makes macro-scale clinical applications possible, and the automatic process shows potential for development as an off-the-shelf immunotherapy product. This immunotherapy system could provide a clinical option for preventing tumor relapse and metastasis after tumor resection. Micro/macropore-forming hydrogel with NK cells fabricated by 3D bioprinting and implanted into the tumor site.
Insights
This study developed a 3D bioprinted hydrogel to encapsulate Natural Killer (NK) cells for enhanced immunotherapy. This novel approach improves NK cell function and offers a promising strategy to prevent tumor recurrence after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunotherapy
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Surgical resection of solid tumors can leave residual cells, increasing relapse risk.
- Conventional intravenous immunotherapy faces challenges in tumor homing and expansion, limiting clinical efficacy.
- There is a critical need for advanced immunotherapy strategies to prevent post-surgical tumor recurrence and metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel micro/macropore-forming hydrogel system for encapsulating Natural Killer (NK) cells.
- To enhance NK cell viability, activity, and cytokine release for improved immunotherapy against solid tumors and leukemia.
- To create a 3D bioprinted immunotherapy platform for potential clinical application in preventing post-resection tumor relapse.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3D bioprinting to fabricate micro/macroporous hydrogels using sodium alginate and thermally sensitive gelatin.
- Incorporated Natural Killer (NK) cells within the hydrogel structure.
- Investigated the functionality and antitumor effects of encapsulated NK cells (NK92 and zEGFR-CAR-NK) in vitro.
Main Results:
- The micro/macropore hydrogel design facilitated NK cell aggregation, enhancing cell viability, lysis activity, and cytokine release.
- 3D bioprinting enabled the formation of macropores crucial for NK cell nutrient supply.
- Demonstrated significant antitumor effects against leukemia and solid tumor models in vitro.
Conclusions:
- The 3D bioprinted hydrogel provides an optimal micro-macro environment for NK cell therapy in leukemia and solid tumors.
- This technology enables macro-scale clinical applications and holds potential as an off-the-shelf immunotherapy product.
- The developed system offers a potential clinical strategy to prevent tumor relapse and metastasis post-resection.
