Open AccessEnhanced Activation and Expansion of T Cells Using Mechanically Soft Elastomer Fibers
Author(s) -
Dang Alex P.,
De Leo Sarah,
Bogdanowicz Danielle R.,
Yuan Dennis J.,
Fernandes Stacey M.,
Brown Jennifer R.,
Lu Helen H.,
Kam Lance C.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
advanced biosystems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.153
H-Index - 18
ISSN - 2366-7478
DOI - 10.1002/adbi.201700167
Subject(s) - elastomer , materials science , composite material , polymer science
Abstract Emerging cellular therapies require effective platforms for producing clinically relevant numbers of high‐quality cells. This report introduces a materials‐based approach to improving expansion of T cells, a compelling agent for treatment of cancer and a range of other diseases. The system consists of electrospun fibers, which present activating antibodies to CD3 and CD28. These fibers are effective in activating T cells, initiating expansion, and simplify processing of the cellular product, compared to current bead‐base platforms. In addition, reducing the mechanical rigidity of these fibers enhances expansion of mixed populations of human CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, providing eightfold greater production of cells in each round of cell growth. This platform also rescues expansion of T cells isolated from CLL patients, which often show limited responsiveness and other features resembling exhaustion. By simplifying the process of cell expansion and improving T cell expansion, the system introduced here provides a powerful tool for the development of cellular immunotherapy.