Innovative Hydrogel Technique Extends Longevity of Human Lymph Node Cultures for Improved Immune Research

Researchers at the College of Design and Engineering (CDE) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) in collaboration with the National Cancer Center Singapore have developed a groundbreaking method to maintain human lymph node tissue alive and functional outside the body for several days. This advancement allows scientists to observe immune responses in real-time, providing a more accurate understanding of how the human immune system reacts to infections, vaccines, and cancer, without relying solely on traditional preclinical models or simplified laboratory setups.

The new approach involves embedding thin slices of lymph node tissues into a specially designed hyaluronan-based hydrogel scaffold. This hydrogel, previously utilized to preserve tumor slices, acts as a supportive matrix that mimics the body's natural environment, maintaining the tissue's size, structure, and vital functions for a longer period. In experiments, the tissue responded appropriately to exposure to cancer cells and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, activating immune signaling pathways and producing antibodies, demonstrating that the preserved tissue remained immunologically active.

One notable finding was an immune response observed prior to vaccine exposure, indicating the model's capability to reflect individual immune history, such as prior infection. This platform offers a promising tool for studying immune dynamics and developing personalized treatments.

The current model supports tissue viability for roughly a week, but scientists are working to extend this timeframe and incorporate features such as lymph flow. Future applications could include screening vaccines and immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases, providing a faster, more relevant alternative to animal testing.

This innovation marks a significant step toward creating more predictive human immune system models, paving the way for more effective and personalized therapies in the future.

Source: MedicalXpress