Time: 2024-05-22
University of Birmingham researchers are utilizing cutting-edge organ-on-a-chip technology to replicate the liver's environment and enhance immunotherapy for liver cancer. This groundbreaking method, detailed in a recent publication in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, aims to address the limitations of current cancer treatments by creating a platform where immune cells can effectively target tumor cells. This study, conducted in collaboration with the Organ-on-a-Chip Technologies Network, showcases the potential of organ-on-a-chip technology to mimic human liver blood vessels and provide insights into immune cell behavior. By growing human liver blood vessel cells in the chip and introducing human immune cells, researchers were able to observe and analyze the interactions under high-resolution microscopes. Professor Shishir Shetty, a leading expert in Liver Tumor Immunology at the University of Birmingham, highlighted the promising results of the study, emphasizing the importance of creating a realistic environment for tracking immune cell behavior. The utilization of organ-on-a-chip technology signifies a significant advancement in biomedical research, offering a more accurate model for studying human organs and testing new therapies. This approach not only reduces the reliance on animal testing but also has the potential to accelerate the development of innovative treatments for liver cancer patients.
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