Decellularized lymph nodes as scaffolds for tissue engineered lymph nodes Journal Article


Authors: Cuzzone, D. A.; Albano, N. J.; Aschen, S. Z.; Ghanta, S.; Mehrara, B. J.
Article Title: Decellularized lymph nodes as scaffolds for tissue engineered lymph nodes
Abstract: Background: The lymphatic system is commonly injured during cancer treatment. However, despite the morbidity of these injuries, there are currently no options for replacing damaged lymphatics. The purpose of this study was to optimize methods for decellularization of murine lymph nodes (LN) and to determine if these scaffolds can be used to tissue engineer lymph node-like structures. Methods and Results: LNs were harvested from adult mice and subjected to various decellularization protocols. The degree of decellularization and removal of nuclear material was analyzed histologically and quantitatively using DNA isolation. In addition, we analyzed histological architecture by staining for matrix proteins. After the optimal method of decellularization was identified, decellularized constructs were implanted in the renal capsule of syngeneic or allogeneic recipient mice and analyzed for antigenicity. Finally, to determine if decellularized constructs could deliver lymphocytes to recipient animals, the matrices were repopulated with splenocytes, implanted in submuscular pockets, and harvested 14 days later. Decellularization was best accomplished with the detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), resulting in negligible residual cellular material but maintenance of LN architecture. Implantation of decellularized LNs into syngeneic or allogeneic mice did not elicit a significant antigenic response. In addition, repopulation of decellularized LNs with splenocytes resulted in successful in vivo cellular delivery. Conclusions: We show, for the first time, that LNs can be successfully decellularized and that these matrices have preserved extracellular matrix architecture and the potential to deliver leukocytes in vivo. Future studies are needed to determine if tissue engineered lymph nodes maintain immunologic function. © Copyright 2015, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2015.
Keywords: adult; controlled study; nonhuman; animal cell; mouse; animal tissue; cell survival; animal experiment; in vivo study; extracellular matrix; immune response; lymph node; cell membrane; cellular distribution; lymphocyte; tissue engineering; leukocyte; matrix protein; immunocompetent cell; allotransplantation; kidney capsule; spleen cell; kidney transplantation; dna isolation; tissue scaffold; antigenicity; dna content; reticulum cell; dodecyl sulfate sodium; female; priority journal; article; lymph node decellularization
Journal Title: Lymphatic Research and Biology
Volume: 13
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1539-6851
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc  
Date Published: 2015-09-01
Start Page: 186
End Page: 194
Language: English
DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2013.0054
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC4575505
PUBMED: 25144673
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 2 October 2015 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Babak Mehrara
    458 Mehrara
  2. Seth Aschen
    14 Aschen
  3. Nicholas James Albano
    19 Albano
  4. Daniel Adam Cuzzone
    24 Cuzzone
  5. Swapna Ghanta
    19 Ghanta