A study by the Materials Science Institute of Barcelona (ICMAB), has achieved create biohybrid hydrogel matrices that increase cell proliferation to fight cancer. A group of researchers from the Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) participated in the research.
In previous studies, ICMAB researchers had already proposed using artificial matrices that will replicate the body’s lymph nodes, where the lymph nodes are usually activated. cells T. There is increasing evidence of the positive influence that this immune microenvironment has on the cells obtained.
Of all the hydrogels tested in the matrix, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-heparin hydrogels have been shown are the most suitable for improving the rate of creation of new human T cells. These types of cells are part of the immune system and help fight infection. cancer.
In this new article, specialists have successfully printed PEG-heparin hydrogels in three dimensions (3D). “Being able to 3D print our hydrogels inspired by lymph nodes brings the technology closer to its use in the clinic, since it ensures its scalability, and opens the way to new applications in tissue engineering,” said Judith Guasch, senior scientist at the ICMAB.
The expert added that The next step is to “observe whether the T cells obtained work in in vivo models”. Cellular immunotherapy, and in particular therapy adoptive cell, has been shown to be an efficient treatment to combat cancer, as well as various autoimmune and infectious diseases.
This therapy uses the body’s own immune system to fight diseases and, specifically, the T cells or lymphocytes, part of this immune systemare especially active against cancer. These cells are removed from the tumor or genetically modified to recognize it, grown and expanded in vitro, and finally reintroduced to the patient.
