Organ Model: Intestine (Colon)
Application: Immunology & Inflammation
How Organ-Chips Were Used: Patient-specific epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts were isolated and cultured to establish healthy and IBD-specific Colon Intestine-Chips.
Key highlights:
- Colon Intestine-Chips replicated key hallmarks of IBD, including inflammation, compromised barrier function, reduced mucus accumulation, fibrosis, and increased cancer risk.
- Stromal fibroblasts from IBD patients were identified as primary drivers of intestinal barrier disruption and inflammation.
- Peristalsis-like mechanical deformations have a direct effect on mucus production, and they exacerbated inflammation and fibrosis in IBD Chips but not in healthy chips.
- Mechanical deformations also enhanced immune cell migration in IBD Chips.
