The generation of monoclonal antibodies using anin vitroimmunization approach is a promising alternative to conventional hybridoma technology. As recently published, thein vitroapproach enables an antigen-specific activation of B lymphocytes within 10-12 d followed by immortalization and subsequent selection of hybridomas. Thisin vitroprocess can be further improved by using a three-dimensional surrounding to stabilize the complex microenvironment required for a successful immune reaction. In this study, the suitability of Geltrex as a material for the generation of monoclonal antigen-specific antibodies byin vitroimmunization was analyzed. We could show that dendritic cells, B cells, and T cells were able to travel through and interact inside of the matrix, leading to the antigen-specific activation of T and B cells. For cell recovery and subsequent hybridoma technique the suitability of dispase and Corning cell recovery solution (CRS) was compared. In our experiments, the use of dispase resulted in a severe alteration of cell surface receptor expression patterns and significantly higher cell death, while we could not detect an adverse effect of Corning CRS. Finally, an easy approach for high-density cell culture was established by printing an alginate ring inside a cell culture vessel. The ring was filled with Geltrex, cells, and medium to ensure a sufficient supply during cultivation. Using this approach, we were able to generate monoclonal hybridomas that produce antigen-specific antibodies against ovalbumin and the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein.
Keywords: 3D cell culture; Geltrex; hybridoma technology; in vitro immunization; monoclonal antibody.
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