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3D bioprinted tumor model: a prompt and convenient platform for overcoming immunotherapy resistance by recapitulating
Zhanyi Zhang1, Xuebo Chen2, Sujie Gao3
1Bethune Third Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
Background:
Cancer immunotherapy is receiving worldwide attention for its induction of an anti-tumor response. However, it has had limited efficacy in some patients who acquired resistance. The dynamic and sophisticated complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is the leading contributor to this clinical dilemma. Through recapitulating the physiological features of the TME, 3D bioprinting is a promising research tool for cancer immunotherapy, which preserves in vivo malignant aggressiveness, heterogeneity, and the cell-cell/matrix interactions. It has been reported that application of 3D bioprinting holds potential to address the challenges of immunotherapy resistance and facilitate personalized medication.
Conclusions And Perspectives:
In this review, we briefly summarize the contributions of cellular and noncellular components of the TME in the development of immunotherapy resistance, and introduce recent advances in 3D bioprinted tumor models that served as platforms to study the interactions between tumor cells and the TME. By constructing multicellular 3D bioprinted tumor models, cellular and noncellular crosstalk is reproduced between tumor cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) within the TME. In the future, by quickly preparing 3D bioprinted tumor models with patient-derived components, information on tumor immunotherapy resistance can be obtained timely for clinical reference. The combined application with tumoroid or other 3D culture technologies will also help to better simulate the complexity and dynamics of tumor microenvironment in vitro. We aim to provide new perspectives for overcoming cancer immunotherapy resistance and inspire multidisciplinary research to improve the clinical application of 3D bioprinting technology.
Insights
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting advances cancer immunotherapy by creating realistic tumor models. These models help overcome resistance by studying tumor microenvironment interactions for personalized medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Research
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Cancer immunotherapy shows promise but faces resistance due to the complex tumor microenvironment (TME).
- The TME's cellular and non-cellular components significantly contribute to treatment resistance.
- 3D bioprinting offers a method to mimic the TME's physiological features, including heterogeneity and cell-matrix interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the TME in immunotherapy resistance.
- To highlight 3D bioprinting as a tool to study TME-mediated resistance.
- To explore the potential of 3D bioprinted models for personalized cancer immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Summarizing existing literature on TME components and immunotherapy resistance.
- Introducing recent advancements in 3D bioprinted tumor models.
- Discussing the construction of multicellular 3D bioprinted models.
Main Results:
- 3D bioprinted models accurately recapitulate TME complexity, including cellular and non-cellular crosstalk.
- These models preserve in vivo tumor characteristics like aggressiveness and heterogeneity.
- Multicellular models simulate interactions between tumor cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes, and the extracellular matrix.
Conclusions:
- 3D bioprinting provides a platform to study and overcome cancer immunotherapy resistance.
- Patient-derived 3D bioprinted models can offer timely information for personalized treatment.
- Integrating 3D bioprinting with other technologies like tumoroids can enhance in vitro TME simulation.
Related Concept Videos
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy