Common Cell Lines Used for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Screening

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of promising immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), researchers rely on appropriate in vitro models, particularly cell lines, for ICI screening.

At Creative Biolabs, we recognize the significance of robust cell-based assays in the development and optimization of ICIs. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of common cell lines utilized for ICI screening.

The Importance of Cell Lines in ICI Screening

As ICIs have become a cornerstone in cancer therapy, the demand for reliable and relevant preclinical models has grown exponentially.

  • While animal models are valuable in evaluating drug candidates, they often lack the complexities and interactions of the human immune system.
  • Cell lines, on the other hand, offer controlled and reproducible systems to study the interplay between immune cells and tumors. They serve as invaluable tools for evaluating the efficacy, specificity, and potential adverse effects of ICIs.

Criteria for Selecting Cell Lines for ICI Screening

The selection of appropriate cell lines for ICI screening is critical to ensure the translatability of results to clinical settings. Several key criteria must be considered during this process:

  • Tumor Origin and Histology

The origin and histological characteristics of the tumor of interest should match the clinical scenario as closely as possible.

  • Expression of Immune Checkpoints

The presence of relevant immune checkpoints, such as PD-L1 and CTLA-4, on the surface of tumor cells is essential to mimic the actual interactions targeted by checkpoint inhibitors.

  • HLA Expression

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression on tumor cells plays a crucial role in antigen presentation and T-cell recognition. Cell lines expressing the appropriate HLA types are preferred for more accurate assessments.

  • Genetic Stability

Cell lines with stable genomic characteristics are vital to ensuring consistent and reliable results throughout the screening process.

  • In Vitro Sensitivity to Immunotherapies

Pre-screening cell lines for sensitivity to ICIs help in selecting models with appropriate response levels.

Commonly Used Cell Lines for ICI Screening

  • A375 (Human Melanoma Cell Line): Originating from metastatic melanoma, the A375 cell line is extensively utilized in studying PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. It expresses high levels of PD-L1 and is proficient in antigen presentation, making it an ideal model for melanoma immunotherapy research.
  • HCC827 (Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Line): HCC827 cells are frequently employed to assess the efficacy of ICIs in lung cancer. This cell line expresses PD-L1 and harbors an EGFR mutation, offering additional avenues for research.
  • MCF-7 (Human Breast Cancer Cell Line): MCF-7 is widely used in breast cancer-related studies, including investigations on ICIs. Its moderate PD-L1 expression and the presence of other relevant checkpoints make it an attractive model for breast cancer immunotherapy research.
  • Raji (Human Burkitt's Lymphoma Cell Line): Raji cells serve as a valuable model for B-cell lymphomas, and their high PD-L1 expression makes them ideal for investigating immunotherapies targeting this checkpoint.
  • Jurkat (Human T-Cell Leukemia Cell Line): As a T-cell leukemia model, Jurkat cells provide insights into the interactions between immune cells and tumor cells, making them essential for the study of CTLA-4 inhibitors and other T-cell-targeted therapies.
  • Colo205 (Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cell Line): Colo205 cells are commonly used to evaluate ICIs in colorectal cancer. Their PD-L1 expression and colorectal cancer origin are representative of the clinical context.

Strategies to Improve Cell Line Models

  • Co-culture systems
  • Three-dimensional (3D) culture
  • Patient-derived organoids
  • Genetically engineered cell lines

Creative Biolabs has always been at the forefront of advancing immunotherapy research, and our team continues to develop innovative solutions to overcome cell model development challenges.

All listed customized services & products are for research use only, not intended for pharmaceutical, diagnostic, therapeutic, or any in vivo human use.