Human lymphoid tissue-on-chip

Abstract

An organ-on-a-chip microfluidic device is disclosed that mimics a human lymph node and/or human lymphoid tissue. The device can include cells from human blood and lymphatic tissue, include an extracellular matrix for the development of immune system components, and provide for the perfusion of fluids and solids resembling blood and lymphatic fluid within micrometer sized channels.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A microfluidic device comprising a body defining i) a first microchannel and ii) a first chamber comprising a matrix, said first microchannel having an inlet and an outlet to an exterior of the body, said first chamber in fluidic communication with said first microchannel, said matrix comprising B lymphocytes, said B lymphocytes arranged in clusters within said matrix. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said clusters are self-organized clusters. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said clusters contain less than 10 percent T lymphocytes. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said clusters contain less than 5 percent T lymphocytes. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said clusters contain less than 1 percent T lymphocytes. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said matrix is an extracellular matrix. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said matrix is a hydrogel.