Reengineering bioreactor materials can improve cellular immunotherapy
Leveraging our discovery that T cells can sense the mechanical properties of a cell culture surface, our group is developing new systems to improve activation and growth of T cells for cellular immunotherapy. Replacing the mechanically stiff materials typically used for cell culture with soft counterparts increases the number of cells that result from a round of cell growth. In addition, these softer materials can rescue the expansion of exhausted cells from patients being treated for cancer, bringing this therapy to a wider range of individuals.
