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Microfluidic Co-Culture Models for Dissecting the Immune Response in in vitro Tumor Microenvironments
Published on: April 30, 2021
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Quantitatively Evaluating Interactions between Patient-Derived Organoids and Autologous Immune Cells by Microfluidic
Mingyao Gao1, Wenyong Ding1, Yadong Wang2,3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|August 2, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a microfluidic chip to quantify interactions between patient-derived tumor organoids and immune cells. It measures immune-mediated killing and cytokine release, advancing ex vivo assessment of patient immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Bioengineering
Background:
- Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDOs) and autologous immune cells model the in vivo tumor-immune environment.
- Quantitative evaluation of immune interactions, including killing behaviors and cytokine variations, remains challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a microfluidic chip for quantifying interactions between PDOs and autologous immune cells.
- To enable simultaneous measurement of immune-mediated killing and multiple immune-related cytokines ex vivo.
Main Methods:
- A microfluidic chip (IOI-Chip) with a baffle-well structure for efficient cell trapping and coculture.
- In situ fluorescent observation and microbeads-based immunofluorescence assay for cytokine quantification.
- Simultaneous quantification of PDO apoptosis, TNF-α, and IFN-γ from lung cancer patient samples.
Main Results:
- The IOI-Chip successfully facilitated coculture and in situ observation of PDOs and immune cells.
- Quantification of PDO apoptosis and key immune cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ) was achieved.
- Demonstrated the capability to assess immune-mediated killing and cytokine profiles simultaneously.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic chip enables quantitative assessment of PDO-immune cell interactions.
- This technology provides a foundation for ex vivo evaluation of patient immune responses.
- Offers a novel tool for understanding tumor immunology and developing personalized therapies.
