A Roadmap for the Production of a GMP-Compatible Cell Bank of Allogeneic Bone Marrow-Derived Clonal Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Cell Therapy Applications

Background: Allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been used extensively in various clinical trials. Nevertheless, there are concerns about their efficacy, attributed mainly to the heterogeneity of the applied populations. Therefore, producing a consistent population of MSCs is crucial to improve their therapeutic efficacy. This study presents a good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compatible and cost-effective protocol for manufacturing, banking, and lot-release of a homogeneous population of human bone marrow-derived clonal MSCs (cMSCs). Methods: Here, cMSCs were isolated based on the subfractionation culturing method. Afterward, isolated clones that could reproduce up to passage three were stored as the seed stock. To select proliferative clones, we used an innovative, cost-effective screening strategy based on lengthy serial passaging. Finally, the selected clones re-cultured from the seed stock to establish the following four-tired cell banking system: initial, master, working, and end of product cell banks (ICB, MCB, WCB, and EoPCB). Results: Through a rigorous screening strategy, three clones were selected from a total of 21 clones that were stored during the clonal isolation process. The selected clones met the identity, quality, and safety assessments criteria. The validated clones were stored in the four-tiered cell bank system under GMP conditions, and certificates of analysis were provided for the three-individual ready-to-release batches. Finally, a stability study validated the EoPCB, release, and transport process of the frozen final products. Conclusion: Collectively, this study presents a technical and translational overview of a GMP-compatible cMSCs manufacturing technology that could lead to the development of similar products for potential therapeutic applications. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Three-dimensional decellularized amnion membrane scaffold as a novel tool for cancer research; cell behavior, drug resistance and cancer stem cell content

Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of human death. Therefore, comprehensive research and the appropriate tools are needed in this field. Animal models and cell culture studies are the most important preclinical tools in cancer research. In 2D cell culture models, cells are forced to grow in a 2D environment, which differs from their natural physiology. Recently, 3D cell culture models were developed to fill the gap between 2D cell culture and animal models. Materials and methods: Human amniotic membranes were obtained, decellularized, characterized and used as a natural 3D scaffold to investigate cancer cell behavior in 2D compared to 3D conditions. Time-lapse imaging of cells was used, and cell proliferation, velocity and migration were evaluated. Cisplatin was applied in 2D and 3D conditions, followed by evaluation of viability, apoptosis and cancer stem cell proteins by flow cytometry and western blot analysis. Results: The results showed that in the decellularized amnion membrane (DAM) scaffold most cells did not spread and remain rounded and then penetrated into the scaffold with no cytotoxicity. Significant differences in migration, velocity, morphology and proliferation of cancer cells were observed between the 3D DAM scaffold and 2D model. Furthermore, the cells in the 3D DAM scaffold showed much more resistance to apoptosis and higher CSC content. Conclusion: In conclusion, considering the effect of the 3D DAM scaffold in cell behavior, apoptosis resistance and CSC content as well as the short processing time for decellularizing the AM, it appears that the 3D DAM scaffold offers an appropriate tool for in vitro cancer research. © 2019 Elsevier B.V