Closed loop bioreactor system for the ex vivo expansion of human T cells

Background aim: Translation of therapeutic cell therapies to clinical-scale products is critical to realizing widespread success. Currently, however, there are limited tools that are accessible at the research level and readily scalable to clinical-scale needs. Methods: We herein developed and assessed a closed loop bioreactor system in which (i) a highly gas-permeable silicone material was used to fabricate cell culture bags and (ii) dynamic flow was introduced to allow for dissociation of activated T-cell aggregates. Results: Using this system, we find superior T-cell proliferation compared with conventional bag materials and flasks, especially at later time points. Furthermore, intermittent dynamic flow could easily break apart T-cell clusters. Conclusions: Our novel closed loop bioreactor system is amenable to enhanced T-cell proliferation and has broader implications for being easily scaled for use in larger need settings.