Shape-Versatile Fixed Cellular Materials for Multiple Target Immunomodulation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Therapy Engineering
• Immunomodulation

Background:

• Current cell therapies use living cells, risking migration and phenotype changes.
• Single-cell administration leads to rapid in vivo clearance.
• 3D cellular materials offer potential for sustained therapeutic effects and structural constructs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop shape-versatile, fixed cell-based materials with immunomodulatory properties.
• To stabilize cellular constructs for therapeutic applications.
• To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of these materials in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Manufacturing of living cell aggregates (spheres, fibers) followed by fixation.
• Assessment of structural integrity, robustness, and flexibility of 3D constructs.
• In vitro evaluation of anti-inflammatory effects on human macrophages (NF-κB pathway).
• In vivo studies in mouse skin wounds.
• Analysis of T lymphocyte proliferation and regulatory population changes.

Main Results:

• Fixed 3D cellular materials with maintained structural integrity were successfully manufactured.
• Materials demonstrated in vitro anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages, correlated with surface area.
• In vivo studies in mouse skin wounds confirmed reduced inflammation.
• Contact with materials reduced activated T lymphocyte proliferation and promoted regulatory T cell populations.

Conclusions:

• Fixation of cellular constructs is a versatile method for phenotypic stabilization.
• This approach enables the creation of immunomodulatory materials with therapeutic potential.
• Fixed 3D cellular materials offer a promising alternative to living cell therapies, mitigating risks of migration and unpredictable phenotypes.