Impact of culture vessel materials on biomanufacturing of dendritic cell-based immunotherapies in closed systems

Abstract

Dendritic cell-based immunotherapy is a promising strategy to treat malignant diseases. In vitro manufacturing of dendritic cells conventionally relies on culturing primary monocytes in dishes or vessels made from tissue culture treated polystyrene. For clinical applications, the implementation of closed culture vessels such as cell culture bags is highly desirable to minimize the risks of contamination and allow automated fluid handling. However, this transition typically represents a significant change in substrate surface properties which can impact cell–surface interactions. This review provides an overview of closed culture systems for dendritic cell therapy product biomanufacturing and describes how material selection can impact cell–surface interactions and thereby the resulting cell fate decisions. Gaining a fundamental understanding of cell culture vessel material surface properties, how proteins adsorb to these materials, and how monocyte-derived dendritic cells may adhere or interact with these surfaces can help guide closed cell culture vessel selection.