Optimizing Cell Isolation for Flexible and Scalable Cell Therapy Manufacturing

Recent advances in cell therapy have significantly enhanced the therapeutic potential of CD4+ T cells. These cells, traditionally known for their role in supporting CD8+ T cell responses, have now been recognized for their cytotoxic potential (1) and capacity to orchestrate innate immune responses (2). Innovations in isolating and manipulating CD4+ T cells have led to more targeted and effective treatments for various cancers.

In this blog post we describe how our paramagnetic bead technology, coupled with a proprietary active release mechanism – the first of its kind for GMP, clinical trial, and commercial manufacturing, is paving the way for personalized, versatile and more efficient cell therapies.

CD4+ T cells in immunotherapy and cell therapy

The application of CD4+ T cells in cell therapy research and applications has been limited by several factors historically (3).

1. A large variety of helper T cell subsets with varied functions: Firstly, the large variety of helper T cell subsets with varied functions complicates the understanding and utilization of CD4+ T cells. These subsets include Th1, Th2, Th17, Th9, Th22, regulatory T cells, and follicular helper T cells, each with distinct roles influenced by specific cytokines and transcription factors.

2. CD4+ T cell plasticity: Secondly, CD4+ T cell plasticity adds another layer of complexity. CD4+ T cells can shift their effector states in response to extrinsic signals, such as cytokines, and intrinsic factors, making them adaptable but unpredictable. This plasticity allows CD4+ T cells to acquire different properties and functions, which can be advantageous or detrimental depending on the context.

3. Absence of strict MHC-class II binding: Lastly, the absence of strict major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-class II binding motifs and the promiscuity of peptide binding on several MHC-class II allelic products make the identification and characterization of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells challenging. This variability in MHC-class II molecules complicates the prediction and utilization of CD4+ T cell epitopes in cancer immunotherapy. These factors must be considered to effectively harness CD4+ T cells in immunotherapy approaches.

Novel automated system for CD4 and CD8 T cell isolation

CTS Detachable Dynabeads™ CD4 and CD8 beads are innovative, superparamagnetic beads designed for the efficient isolation or depletion of human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, respectively. The base of the product is a 4.5 micron paramagnetic polystyrene bead. These beads are coated with specific monoclonal antibodies targeting the CD4 or CD8 membrane antigens, which are primarily expressed on T helper cells and cytotoxic T cells, respectively. In addition to being based on our existing paramagnetic bead technology, it is conjugated to highly specific, single-domain VHH antibodies that target specific clusters of differentiation (CD) markers for isolation and/or activation. The VHH antibody, a 12–15 kilodalton camelid-derived short-chain antibody, is specific for various CD markers, offering tunable specificity and affinity for binding to target cell surface markers. Produced in yeast, these animal-origin-free antibodies are highly stable and exclude the risk of viral contamination or adventitious reagents.

Following the isolation of target immune cells and magnetic separation in the CTS DynaCellect system, the Gibco CTS Detachable Dynabeads Release Buffer is used to actively detach target cells from the CTS Dynabeads beads through a competitive binding mechanism.

Key Features and Advantages

Overall, CTS Detachable CD4 and CD8 magnetic beads provide a robust and reliable solution for T cell isolation, significantly enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of downstream cell therapy manufacturing processes.
Listed below are some key features and benefits of using these beads for T cell isolation:

• Allows to isolate CD4+ or CD8+ T cell subtypes separately or in combination.
• Actively release beads from target cells immediately after isolation with the Gibco CTS Detachable Dynabeads Release Buffer.
• Provides increased control over target cell isolation and bead removal steps.
• Helps ensure compatibility with downstream genetic modification processes.
• Helps enable achieving high levels of pure T cells free from ancillary materials.

Read this Application Note for more information

 

Compatibility with Gibco CTS DynaCellect Magnetic Separation System

CTS Detachable Dynabeads™ CD4 and CD8 magnetic beads are optimized for performance using the CTS DynaCellect Magnetic Separation System, enabling the following features:

• Automation and greater process control
• High purity and viability of isolated cells
• Scalability from research and process development to clinical manufacturing
• Time and cost savings

The system is designed to efficiently support and seamlessly scales cell therapy workflows. Its modular flexibility enables the DynaCellect System to be leveraged as a standalone instrument while also being amenable to integration into existing workflows.

In conclusion, this novel technology enables rapid cell isolation, which enables flexible, and rapidly scalable cell manufacturing workflows.

To learn more about different T cell isolation methods leveraging Dynabeads™ CD4 and Dynabeads™ CD8 Magnetic Beads, download this white paper (Transform Your T Cell Isolation Process | Thermo Fisher Scientific).

 

Visit our website for more information on Gibco™ CTS Dynabeads magnetic beads

Learn more about the Gibco™ CTS DynaCellect Magnetic Separation System

 

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References:
1. Quezada S.A, et al. Tumor-reactive CD4+ T cells develop cytotoxic activity and eradicate large established melanoma after transfer into lymphopenic hosts. J. Exp. Med. 2010, 207, 637–650.
2. Fauskanger M, et al. Tumor killing by CD4+ T cells is mediated via induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase-dependent macrophage cytotoxicity. Front. Immunol. 2018, 9.
3. Richardson JR, et al. CD4+ T Cells: Multitasking Cells in the Duty of Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel). 2021;13(4):596.