To further investigate previous observations, suggesting CA to suppress translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus and T-lymphocyte-, TNF-β-, or TNF-α-promoted ECM degradation, under in vivo like conditions, we created a 3D-multicellular tendinitis microenvironment consisting of tenocyte alginate beads cultured by themselves (basal control) or in pro-inflammatory TN-ME cultures (fibroblasts and T-lymphocytes). Here, TNF is linked to tendinitis.