Rebecca Davies ( Three Minute Thesis )
School of Medicine
Development towards an allogeneic strategy for large-scale production of mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicles using a hollow-fibre bioreactor
Mesenchymal stem cells ( MSCs ) govern immunomodulation and exert antiinflammatory properties , a feature replicated within their extracellular vesicle ( EV ) population . However , we are currently limited by being unable to yield enough EVs for research and therapeutic purposes . We aim to use the Quantum hollow fibre bioreactor ( Terumo BCT ) to achieve large-scale production of allogeneic MSC-EVs in a fast and reproducible manner . This will occur by exploring variations in EV characteristics between individual MSC donors to select those dominant in immunosuppression . Following this , we will pool the donors , assessing whether an allogeneic strategy generates a higher immunogenic response . Finally , pooled donors will be expanded in the Quantum cell expansion bioreactor to up-scale the production of allogeneic MSC-EVs . EVs will be characterised using tunable resistive pulse sensing ( TRPS , IZON ), NanoFCM , and transmission electron microscopy , and evaluated as a ‘ one size fits all treatment ’ using T-cells isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis .
Postgraduate Conference 2020 Page 17