How do lymph node stromal cells contribute to disease progression of human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)? Is targeting lymph node stromal cells a potential therapeutic strategy for DLBCL patients?

We hypothesized that lymph node stromal cells, and specifically lymph node fibroblasts, contribute to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) progression. Together with microsystems engineering experts from Eindhoven University of Technology, we developed a 3D B-cell lymphoma model including a DLBCL tumor cell line and primary lymph node fibroblasts from healthy donors, and we generated a round lymphatic vessel through the hydrogel to potentially capture tumor cell metastasis. Using live cell microscopy and cytokine analysis, we found that lymph node fibroblasts promote survival of DLBCL tumor cells as well as their migration towards the lymphatic vessel. Our results aid in better understanding the DLBCL tumor microenvironment, and our model can serve as a platform to test therapeutic strategies for DLBCL.

Lymph node stromal cells promote diffuse large B-cell lymphoma progression and as such, are an essential component to include in studies on the DLBCL tumor microenvironment."
Lotte de Winde
Research Associate, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology

Find the full article: Lymphoma-on-chip model reveals that lymph node stromal cells promote diffuse large B-cell lymphoma survival and migration - ScienceDirect

People involved

  • Mohammad Jouybar (TU Eindhoven)
  • Aleksandra M. Mikula (Amsterdam UMC)
  • Nanouk Zuidmeer (BSc student, Amsterdam UMC)
  • Tanja Konijn (Amsterdam UMC)
  • A. Vera de Jonge (Amsterdam UMC)
  • Henk P. Roest (Erasmus MC)
  • Tuna Mutis (Amsterdam UMC)
  • Luc J.W. van der Laan (Erasmus MC)
  • Reina E. Mebius (Amsterdam UMC)
  • Jaap M.J. den Toonder (TU Eindhoven)
  • Charlotte M. de Winde (Amsterdam UMC)

Funders involved

  • Cancer Center Amsterdam
  • KWF
  • NWO
  • European Union
  • Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven
  • Convergence Health Technology
  • Medical Delta

Awarded grant

Cancer Center Amsterdam Foundation