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Microfluidic systems to study tissue barriers to immunotherapy

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Abstract

Immunotherapies have been heavily explored in the last decade, ranging from new treatments for cancer to allergic diseases. These therapies target the immune system, a complex organ system consisting of tissues with intricate structures and cells with a multitude of functions. To better understand immune functions and develop better therapeutics, many cellular and 2-dimensional (2D) tissue models have been developed. However, research has demonstrated that the 3-dimensional (3D) tissue structure can significantly affect cellular functions, and this is not recapitulated by more traditional 2D models. Microfluidics has been used to design 3D tissue models that allow for intricate arrangements of cells and extracellular spaces, thus allowing for more physiologically relevant in vitro model systems. Here, we summarize the multitude of microfluidic devices designed to study the immune system with the ultimate goal to improve existing and design new immunotherapies. We have included models of the different immune organs, including bone marrow and lymph node (LN), models of immunity in diseases such as cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, and therapeutic models to test or engineer new immune-modulatory treatments. We particularly emphasize research on how microfluidic devices are used to better understand different physiological states and how interactions within the immune microenvironment can influence the efficacy of immunotherapies.

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Data sharing not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.

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All the authors whose names appear on the submission (1) made substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data; or the creation of new software used in the work; (2) drafted the work or revised it critically for important intellectual content; (3) approved the version to be published; and (4) agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved

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Funding

This study was funded by the American Lung Association Dalsemer Award (KM), LAM Foundation Career Development Award (KM), NIH T32 (5T32GM080201, MA), and MPower Maryland (KM).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA

    Ann Ramirez, Mayowa Amosu, Priscilla Lee & Katharina Maisel

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  1. Ann Ramirez
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  2. Mayowa Amosu
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  3. Priscilla Lee
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  4. Katharina Maisel
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Contributions

Conceptualization: Katharina Maisel. Literature search: Ann Ramirez, Mayowa Amosu, Priscilla Lee, and Katharina Maisel. Drafted the work: Ann Ramirez, Mayowa Amosu, and Priscilla Lee. Revised the work: Katharina Maisel and Ann Ramirez.

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Correspondence to Katharina Maisel.

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Ramirez, A., Amosu, M., Lee, P. et al. Microfluidic systems to study tissue barriers to immunotherapy. Drug Deliv. and Transl. Res. 11, 2414–2429 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13346-021-01016-2

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