Cytotoxic Chemotherapy in a 3D Microfluidic Device Induces Dendritic Cell Recruitment and Trogocytosis of Cancer Cells

Cytotoxic chemotherapy that kills cancer cells can also elicit antitumor immune responses. Therefore, understanding the immunogenic context of cytotoxic chemotherapy can improve combination immunotherapies. In this study, we sought to improve our understanding of dendritic cell (DC) dynamics in cytotoxic chemotherapy-treated tumor tissues by developing three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic devices that enable high-resolution visualization of cellular dynamics. Specifically, microfluidic chips mimicking 3D tumor tissues were fabricated and used. Collagen gel blocks encapsulating cancer cells in microfluidics were treated with various concentrations of oxaliplatin (OXP; 0-40 μg/mL). Then, DCs were attached on the side of the collagen gel blocks, and migration of DCs within the 3D gels was quantitatively analyzed. Interactions between OXP-treated cancer cells and DCs were observed by high-res…