Abstract

Spatially Organized Microfluidic Models of the Lymph Node Ex Vivo

Rebecca Pompano, Assistant Professor, University Of Virginia

Adaptive immunity begins in the lymph node, a small yet highly structured organ that has proven difficult to model with standard in vitro approaches.  The intricate spatial organization and dynamic nature of cell migration through this organ traditional interface-focused organ-on-chip models of limited use.  We have developed an approach that combines intact ex vivo slices of lymph node tissue with microfluidic fluid flow control, to begin to reproduce organ-level events in this fascinating tissue.  Tissue slices retain the spatial organization of the tissue and are readily adopted by biomedical research laboratories.  Using single-tissue cultures as well as multi-organ microfluidic cultures, we have established models of draining lymph node interactions with tumors and with vaccinated skin or muscle. Ultimately, these tools will be useful to visualize where, when, and how cells interact during immunity and inflammation, to reveal mechanisms of the immune response and inform the development of vaccines and immunotherapies.