AACR 2026 Poster Session
Apr 20, Poster Section 53, Poster No. LB153 / 18

A quantitative MDSC infiltration assay in a tumor organoid–stromal microenvironment for immuno-oncology candidate evaluation

Abstract

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are major contributors to immunosuppression and therapeutic resistance in cancer, yet robust human-relevant platforms for evaluating their function and trafficking remain limited. Here, we established a THP-1–derived MDSC-like cell model and integrated it with a colorectal cancer (CRC) organoid–stromal microenvironment assay. MDSC-like cells were generated under cytokine-driven differentiation conditions and validated by flow cytometry and qRT–PCR. Their immunosuppressive activity was assessed using PBMC/T-cell clustering assays, and their migratory behavior was quantified using a Matrigel-coated transwell system containing CRC organoids and/or cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). This platform enabled parallel assessment of MDSC phenotype, suppressive function, infiltration, and drug response, supporting the preclinical evaluation of MDSC-targeting strategies in a human-relevant setting.

Authors

Wookyeom Yang1, Yoon-Ha Go1, Phuong Lan Nguyen1, Dong-Uk Lim1, Boeun Lee2, Kyung Jin Lee2

1 ORGANOIDSCIENCES Ltd., Republic of Korea

2 Lambda Biologics GmbH, Germany

Poster Presentation Session at the AACR 2026

Session Title: Late-Breaking Research: Immunolog 2

Session Start: 4/20/2026 9:00:00 AM
Session End: 4/20/2026 12:00:00 PM
Location: Poster Section 53
Poster Board Number: 18
Abstract Presentation Number: LB153

>> View on ACCR 2026 Session 

What you will learn from this research

This poster details a comprehensive methodology for evaluating the complex interactions between immune-suppressive cells and the tumor stroma:

  • Innovative MDSC Modeling: Learn how we successfully differentiated THP-1 cells into functional MDSC-like cells using cytokine-driven conditions (G-CSF and IL-4), validated by flow cytometry and immune-regulatory gene signatures.
  • Quantitative Infiltration Assays: Discover our Matrigel-coated transwell system (5-µm pore) that quantifies MDSC migration toward tumor organoids, CAFs, or a combination of both using imaging and FACS analysis.
  • Integrated ADC Test Platform: Explore our workflow for evaluating ADCs (including targets like HER2, EGFR, and TROP2), which integrates internalisation analysis, 3D viability testing, and tissue-structure assessment.
  • Microenvironment-Driven Insights: Understand how the presence of CAFs and the stromal microenvironment significantly impacts MDSC recruitment and drug response.
  • Organ-Specific Toxicity Evaluation: See how we utilize iPSC-derived skin, intestinal, and retinal organoids to predict off-target toxicities, such as structural alterations caused by anti-NECTIN-4 ADCs.
  • Precision Drug Screening: Review data from candidate MDSC-targeting agents (e.g., anti-STAT3, anti-IL-10) showing concentration-dependent inhibition of immune cell infiltration.

Discuss this poster with us

Visit Lambda Biologics at the AACR 2026, Booth 1603

from Apr 19-22, 2026, at the AACR Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, USA

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Visit Lambda Biologics at the AACR 2026, Booth 1603 from Apr 17-22 to discuss how our oncology-focused organoid platform helps establishing a sophisticated testing ground for next-generation immuno-oncology candidates and Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs).

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