LIBRA​​​​​​​
Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications
Formulated in 2012. Realized in 2018 @ NYUAD
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Logo: features a peace sign within a lab flask that releases products - of all varied types - and aimed for greater heights symbolizing the people coming through LIBRA
Funded by
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LIBRA focuses on the mechanobiology of single immune cells and the implications of microenvironmental cues in down stream immune biology. We are interested in depicting the mechanisms of these signals and further investigate the possibilities of modulating the immune outcome using bioengineering strategies. The result may aid in the development of novel approaches to enhance mechanistic studies for basic research purposes as well as to provide input or technologies for translational therapeutics.
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LIBRA is interdisciplinary, using microfluidic-based and conventional invitro culture systems, live-imaging and computational-biology tools. Embracing the complex yet interesting immune system, and making sense of it through adoption of engineering approaches.
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LIBRAs are fascinated by balance and are cooperative by nature. Like our immune system, the cells maintain immune homeostasis through the action and team work of the key cellular players.
01
Mechano-control of immune and immune-associated cells
Reconstructing disease related in vitro models gives rise the opportunity for mechanistic investigations into disease initiation and progression in various tissues. At LIBRA we focus on immune cell and we approach disease investigation from a mechanobiology perspective - immunomechanobiology. Using and modifying collagen hydrogel-based biomaterials as primary scaffolds, we investigate the mechano-control of immune cells that comes from extracellular matrix stiffness (density and crosslinking), microarchitecture, and ECM constituents on various aspects of immunology. We are investigating immune and immune-associated cells in the context of cancer, wound healing, and atherosclerosis.
Associated publications
Sapudom J, et al. Advanced Science. 2023. doi: 10.1002/advs.202301353.
Quartey BC, et al. Advanced Healthcare Materials. 2023. doi: 10.1002/adhm.202303125.
Sapudom J, et al. npj Regenerative Medicine. 2021. doi: 10.1038/s41536-021-00193-5.
Sapudom J, et al. Bioengineering. 2020. doi: 10.3390/bioengineering702003.
Sapudom J, et al. Biomaterials Science. 2020. doi: 10.1039/D0BM01141J.
Garcia-Sabaté A, et al. Bioengineering. 2020. doi: 10.3390/bioengineering7030113.
Witzel II, et al. Advanced Healthcare Materials. 2019. doi: 10.1002/adhm.201801126.
02
Tissue engineering of lymphoid organs
Immune cell communication occurs most flurriedly in lymphoid organs where regulation or deregulation of immunity occurs. As the existence of accurate lymphoid organs model for regulation investigations is lacking, using tissue engineering strategies applying biomaterials, micro devices and computer-based quantitative biology, we aim to bioengineer optimized representative 3D models that recapitulates the native in vivo microarchitecture, cellular constituents, and biophysical cues within such organs.
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03
Bioengineered solutions for better immunotherapies
Cell-based immunotherapies, the use of one’s own immune cells to boost immunity against certain diseases has tremendous potential. For example, genetically modified T-cells have been successfully used against blood cancers, but the same approach falls short against solid cancers. Based on our believe that cell-based immunotherapies can be further optimized for efficiency and efficacy through addressing the mechanical and physicals cues that suppress immune potency. We are bioengineering solutions to better expand fitter T-cells to overwhelm cancer.
Associated publications
Alatoom A, et al. Advanced Biology. 2022. doi: 10.1002/adbi.202200173.
Alatoom A, et al. Advanced Biosystems. 2020. doi: 10.1002/adbi.202000039.
04
Space biology and application of microgravity in regenerative medicine
LIBRA is also interested in mechanical unloading of immune cells. Astronauts faced impaired immunity and in our endeavor to contribute towards future long-duration space travels, we investigate the intricacies of immune cell exposure to simulated microgravity. Interestingly, microgravity also provides opportunities for other research that benefits life on Earth. Aging, regenerative medicine, and space pharmaceuticals, are other fields that we pursue and can have an impact on. Finally, we also engineer ‘miniature labs’ to facilitate our studies and continuously seek for opportunities to send our experiments to space for validation studies.
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Associated publications
ElGindi M, et al. npj Aging. 2023. doi: 10.1038/s41514-023-00111-7.
ElGindi M, et al. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. 2022. doi: 10.1007/s00018-022-04531-8.
Sapudom J, et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021. doi: 10.3390/ijms222111911.
ElGindi M, et al. Cells. 2021. doi: 10.3390/cells10081941.
ElGindi M, et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021. doi: 10.3390/ijms22126331.