In Vitro Assessment of Thermo-Responsive Scaffold as a 3D Synthetic Matrix for CAR-T Potency Testing Against Glioblastoma Spheroids.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy has demonstrated exceptional efficacy against hematological malignancies, but notably less against solid tumors. To overcome this limitation, it is critical to investigate antitumor CAR-T cell potency in synthetic 3D microenvironments that can simulate the physical barriers presented by solid tumors. The overall goal of this study was the preliminary assessment of a synthetic thermo-responsive material as a substrate for in vitro co-cultures of anti-disialoganglioside (GD2) CAR-T cells and patient-derived glioblastoma (GBM) spheroids.

encapsulation and expansion of T and CAR-T cells using 3D synthetic thermo-responsive matrices.

Suspension cell culture and rigid commercial substrates are the most common methods to clinically manufacture therapeutic CAR-T cells . However, suspension culture and nano/micro-scale commercial substrates poorly mimic the microenvironment where T cells naturally develop, leading to profound impacts on cell proliferation and phenotype. To overcome this major challenge, macro-scale substrates can be used to emulate that environment with higher precision.

In vitro assessment of inflammatory skin potential of poly(methyl methacrylate) at non-cytotoxic concentrations.

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is considered an attractive substrate material for fabricating wearable skin sensors such as fitness bands and microfluidic devices. Despite its widespread use, inflammatory and allergic responses have been attributed to the use of this material. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to obtain a comprehensive understanding of potential biological effects triggered by PMMA at non-cytotoxic concentrations using in vitro models of NIH3T3 fibroblasts and reconstructed human epidermis (RhE).

The application of autologous cancer immunotherapies in the age of memory-NK cells.

Cellular immunotherapy has revolutionized the oncology field, yielding improved results against hematological and solid malignancies. NK cells have become an attractive alternative due to their capacity to activate upon recognition of "stress" or "danger" signals independently of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) engagement, thus making tumor cells a perfect target for NK cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy even as an allogeneic solution. While this allogeneic use is currently favored, the existence of a characterized memory function for NK cells ("memory-like" NK cells) advocates for an autologous approach, that would benefit from the allogeneic setting discoveries, but with added persistence and specificity.

Development of handheld induction heaters for magnetic fluid hyperthermia applications andevaluation on ovarian and prostate cancer cell lines.

Magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) is a still experimental technique found to have a potential application in the treatment of cancer. The method aims to reach around 41 °C-47 °C in the tumor site by exciting magnetic nanoparticles with an externally applied alternating magnetic field (AMF), where cell death is expected to occur. Applying AMFs with high spatial resolution is still a challenge.