Researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech, in collaboration with the University of Virginia, have developed an innovative bioengineered model of human lymph nodes to enhance immune system research.

This lymph node-on-a-chip model mimics dynamic fluid flow and cellular interactions, allowing scientists to study immune behavior outside the human body.

Published in April 2025 in APL Bioengineering, the model accurately replicates the crucial functions of natural lymph nodes, particularly the dynamic fluid flow essential for immune function.

The engineered lymph node model aims to reduce the costs of biomedical experiments compared to traditional mouse models, providing more human-relevant data.

Funding for this research was provided by various NIH divisions, the Red Gates Foundation, and Virginia Tech's Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, highlighting its significance in advancing health research.

Professor Jennifer Munson, a key author of the study, emphasized the model's potential impact on understanding cancer metastasis, anti-tumor immunity, vaccine testing, viral infections, and autoimmune disorders.

Munson's research focuses on how stromal cells in the lymph node influence immune responses and cell movement, particularly in the context of diseases like breast cancer and Alzheimer's.

The study revealed that inflammation significantly alters fluid flow in lymph nodes, affecting the behavior of immune cells, particularly T cells, which underscores the importance of fluid dynamics in immune studies.

The research emphasizes the need to consider fluid dynamics in developing other cell models, as traditional in vitro models often overlook stromal cell interactions.

This engineered lymph node model has the potential to personalize patient care and develop safer, more effective immune-boosting strategies across various diseases.

This study is part of a broader initiative to create advanced biomedical research models that could replace traditional animal research, promoting ethical and effective research methods.

Munson's team previously won a challenge prize from the National Institutes of Health aimed at developing innovative biomedical research models that can supplement or replace traditional animal research.