Engineering a scalable and orthogonal platform for synthetic communication in mammalian cells

The rational design and implementation of synthetic mammalian communication systems can unravel fundamental design principles of cell communication circuits and offer a framework for engineering of designer cell consortia with potential applications in cell therapeutics. Here, we develop the foundations of an orthogonal, and scalable mammalian synthetic communication platform that exploits the programmability of synthetic receptors and selective affinity and tunability of diffusing coiled-coil peptides. Leveraging the ability of coiled-coils to exclusively bind to a cognate receptor, we demonstrate orthogonal receptor activation and Boolean logic operations at the receptor level. We show intercellular communication based on synthetic receptors and secreted multidomain coiled-coils and demonstrate a three-cell population system that can perform AND gate logic. Finally, we show CC-GEMS receptor-dependent therapeutic protein expression. Our work provides a modular and scalable framework for the engineering of complex cell consortia, with the potential to expand the aptitude of cell therapeutics and diagnostics.

Anna-Maria Makri Pistikou, Glenn A. O. Cremers, Bryan L. Nathalia, Theodorus J. Meuleman, Bas W. A. Bögels, Bruno V. Eijkens, Anne de Dreu, Maarten T. H. Bezembinder, Oscar M. J. A. Stassen, Carlijn C. V. Bouten, Maarten Merkx, Roman Jerala, Tom F. A. de Greef