Organoid-Immune Co-Cultures: A Next-Generation approach to disease modeling

The incorporation of organoids with immune cells in co-culture systems signifies a groundbreaking advancement in the fields of cancer research and immunology. These three-dimensional models, derived from primary tumor specimens or stem cells, provide a more accurate representation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) than conventional two-dimensional cultures or animal models. This enhanced model allows for a thorough examination of the intricate interactions between cancer cells and the immune system. Although the success rates for organoid initiation can vary, averaging 36.8% across 13 different tumor types, successful organoid establishment enables the co-culture with a variety of immune cells, such as T cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. This platform enables the study of immune responses to cancer, mechanisms of immune evasion, and the influence of the TME on immune activation and suppression. The review emphasizes research involving intestinal, pancreatic, brain, liver, and cervical organoids, highlighting their role in elucidating disease mechanisms, assessing the effectiveness of immunotherapies (including checkpoint inhibitors and therapeutic vaccines), and conducting preclinical drug evaluations. Notable examples include modeling graft-versus-host disease with intestinal organoids, investigating the influence of DCLK1 on immunosuppression in pancreatic cancer, evaluating the effectiveness of engineered T cells against neuroblastoma using brain organoids, and analyzing the effects of cancer-associated fibroblasts on drug responses in colon cancer. Additionally, the potential of organoids in vaccine development and testing, particularly for influenza and other viral infections, is examined, demonstrating their utility in assessing immune responses and vaccine effectiveness. Despite existing challenges, such as the relatively low efficiency of organoid generation and the complexities involved in fully mimicking the TME, ongoing technological innovations, including tumor-on-chip systems and enhanced matrix materials, are expected to improve the functionality and clinical applicability of these advanced in vitro models.