MORE | Fall 2021

Immunomodulatory Exosome Loaded Synthetic Hydrogels for Cell Encapsulation

Pregnancy is a natural phenomenon where tissue types of different antigen signatures co-exist without eliciting an immune response from the host. Immunomodulation occurs in a site-specific manner at this interface and trophoblast cells found in the placenta are believed to play a role. In order to understand and mimic this site-specific immunomodulation, trophoblast representative cell lines are brought under study, specifically, the extracellular vesicles released by them called exosomes. Following isolation and characterization of exosomes, they are encapsulated within hydrogels such as polyethylene glycol and alginate to monitor their release profile as well as their effects on immune cell lines.