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Customized 2D Cell Co-Culture Models of IBD

The use of Caco-2 cell monocultures alone is an over-simplification of the intestinal barrier, neglecting the role of non-absorptive cells on homeostasis and the part played by mucus. Therefore, researchers created 2D co-cultures as gut inflammation models to improve simple cellular models. The interaction between intestinal and immune cells was used to create these models. Primary cells such as human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and macrophage cell lines from either human (THP-1) or murine origin (RAW 246.7) are the principal immune cells employed to generate the various co-culture systems with intestinal cell lines. The 2D cell co-culture model plays a key role in the mechanistic study of IBD and in the development of new drugs by virtue of its advantage of being closer to the physiological state.

Fig. 1. The Caco-2/HT29-MTX and the Caco-2/HT29-MTX/Raji B cell co-culture models are able to better mimic the human intestinal epithelium. (Ferreira et al., 2024)

Our 2D Cell Co-Culture Models

At Ace Therapeutics, we offer co-culture models of intestinal and immune cells to help clients develop effective treatments and biomarkers for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These advanced cell culture models not only provide a more accurate and reliable in vitro testing environment than traditional cell culture but can also be used to study cell-cell interactions, pathophysiological reactions occurring in the intestine during inflammation (e.g., altered epithelial barrier and transport function), immune-mediated tissue destruction, and factors that may influence cell death and necrosis.

With our cell culture expertise and extensive IBD research experience, we can create customized 2D co-culture systems based on clients' needs. By optimizing the culture conditions, we ensure that the model better mimics the human intestinal environment.

• Caco-2/HT29-MTX Cell Co-Culture Model
• Caco-2/HT29-MTX/Raji B Cell Co-Culture Model
• Caco-2/THP-1 Cell Co-Culture Model
• Caco-2/RAW 246.7 Cell Co-Culture Model

2D Cell Co-Culture Models for IBD Drug Discovery

Ace Therapeutics performs a suite of readout assays using 2D cell co-culture models specifically designed to accelerate drug screening and improve the human relevance of IBD drug discovery.

• Protein localization: We assess inflammation-induced potential damage and disruption of tight junction proteins through cellular imaging systems.
• Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement: By monitoring, measuring, and mapping changes in TEER over time in cultures exposed to test compounds, we assess potential repair of a damaged epithelium or the prevention of damage by compounds supplied by the client.
• Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression analysis: We provide multiple immunoassays to detect levels of multiple inflammatory factors in a single sample from a co-culture model.
• Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assays: Enzyme function is tested by biochemical methods, and increased values can demonstrate cellular damage that may be caused by inflammation or test compounds.

Ace Therapeutics offers a range of reliable 2D cell co-culture models to support your IBD drug development process. Whether you are looking to identify lead compounds or evaluate drug efficacy, our scientists can help you in the preclinical stages of drug discovery. To request a consultation where we can discuss your exact requirements, please contact us.