3D bioengineered tissue model of the large intestine to study inflammatory bowel disease

An in vitro model of intestinal epithelium with an immune component was bioengineered to mimic immunologic responses seen in inflammatory bowel disease. While intestinal immune phenomena can be modeled in transwells and 2D culture systems, 3D tissue models improve physiological relevance by providing a 3D substrate which enable migration of macrophages towards the epithelium. An intestinal epithelial layer comprised of non-transformed human colon organoid cells and a subepithelial layer laden with monocyte-derived macrophages was bioengineered to mimic native intestinal mucosa cell organization using spongy biomaterial scaffolds. Confluent monolayers with microvilli, a mucus layer, and infiltration of macrophages to the basal side of the epithelium were observed. Inflammation, induced by E. coli O111:B4 lipopolysaccharide and interferon gamma resulted in morphological changes to the epithelium, resulting in ball-like structures, decreased epithelial coverage, and increased migration of macrophages to the epithelium. Analysis of cytokines present in the inflamed tissue model demonstrated significantly upregulated secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are often associated with active inflammatory bowel disease, including CXCL10, IL-beta, IL-6, MCP-2, and MIP-1 beta. The macrophage layer enhanced epithelial and biochemical responses to inflammatory insult, and this new tissue system may be useful to study and develop potential therapies for inflammatory bowel disease.