• To, Tania
• Dacus, Mason T.
• Bovone, Giovanni
• Meyer, Charlotte
• Vitner, Einat B.
• Weitz, David A.
• Chen, Anqi
• Aduberchie, Kwasi

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Artificial antigen‐presenting cells (aAPCs) are currently used to manufacture T cells for adoptive therapy in cancer treatment, but a readily tunable and modular system could enable both rapid T cell expansion and control over T cell phenotype. Here, we show that microgels with tailored surface biochemical properties can serve as aAPCs to mediate T cell activation and expansion. Surface functionalization of microgels was achieved via layer‐by‐layer coating using oppositely charged polymers, forming a thin but dense polymer layer on the surface. This facile and versatile approach is compatible with a variety of coating polymers and allows efficient and flexible surface‐specific conjugation of defined peptides or proteins. We demonstrate that tethering appropriate stimulatory ligands on the microgel surface efficiently activates T cells for polyclonal and antigen‐specific expansion. The expansion, phenotype and functional outcome of primary mouse and human T cells can be regulated by modulating the concentration, ratio and distribution of stimulatory ligands presented on microgel surfaces as well as the stiffness and viscoelasticity of the microgels.</jats:p><jats:p>This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved</jats:p>

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• surface
• polymer
• viscoelasticity
• forming
• activation
• functionalization