Cell-Based Assays and Imaging

Cell-based assays in both 2D and 3D formats across a broad range of human primary cell types

Our assays have provided data supporting a range of different therapeutic indications from diabetes to fibrosis and oncology, but our primary focus remains in anti-inflammatory and autoimmune research. Our customized approach develops fit-for-purpose assays to the specific needs of your program. In addition to assay development, our breadth of analytical platforms enables us to deliver a comprehensive range of assay endpoints, including mediator/cytokine release, changes in gene expression, ICC, and high content cellular imaging.

Example Cell Types Used for Assay Development

Blood cells: PBMCs, monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocyte-derived macrophages
Skin cells: fibroblasts
Lung cells: bronchial epithelial cells, alveolar macrophages, alveolar type II cells, smooth muscle cells, tumor epithelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts
Liver cells: hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, stellate cells
Other cell types: pancreatic islets, synovial fibroblasts

Culture Formats

2D
- multiwell plates
- transwells
3D
- air-liquid interface
- matrix-based and matrix free
- simple or co-culture

Cell-Based Assay and Endpoint Types

Cytokine-mediator release
Cell viability/proliferation
Apoptosis
Changes in gene expression
Enzyme activity/release
Barrier permeability
Cell migration
ICC
Multiplex immunofluorescence/high content cellular imaging

CELL TYPE(S)	ASSAY EXAMPLES
Whole blood	Inhibition of LPS stimulated TNFα and IL-6 release Stimulation (PHA) and inhibition (CsA) of cell proliferation
PBMCs	Inhibition of OKT3 (CD3) stimulated IL-2 and IFNγ release Inhibition of CD3:CD28 stimulated TNFα release
Monocytes & Monocyte-derived Macrophages	Inhibition of LPS stimulated TNFα release
Lymphocytes	Inhibition of OKT3 (CD3) stimulated IL-2 release
Neutrophils	Transmigration (+HUVEC) Superoxide release
HUVECs	Inhibition of thrombin stimulated IL-8 and MCP-1 release
Hepatocytes	Inhibition of TNFα stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 release CYP induction (mRNA)
Stellates	TGF-β1-induced changes in fibrogenic gene expression and collagen deposition
Alveolar macrophages	Inhibition of LPS stimulated TNFα release
Synovial fibroblasts (RA)	Validated assay for screening novel anti-TNFα therapeutic antibodies (biosimilars)

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lmmunohistochemistry (IHC)

End-to-end IHC solutions including kitting, sample logistics, staining via all major platforms, and in-house pathology services.

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lmmunohistochemistry (IHC)

End-to-end IHC solutions including kitting, sample logistics, staining via all major platforms, and in-house pathology services.

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Flow Cytometry

Standard and spectral flow cytometry, on both research-grade and CLIA-validated instruments.

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Flow Cytometry

Standard and spectral flow cytometry, on both research-grade and CLIA-validated instruments.

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Multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF)

Automated multiplex immunofluorescence services that enable quantitative visualization of up to 9 markers in tissue and liquid biopsies.

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Multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF)

Automated multiplex immunofluorescence services that enable quantitative visualization of up to 9 markers in tissue and liquid biopsies.

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Explore the Precision blog

Read our blog to gain more insights and discover work that Precision has supported.

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Translational Research - Lab Services

Receptor Occupancy in the Era of Multispecific Therapeutics

Jul 28, ‘26 | 6 min read

has not third author: true, (SizeLimitingPyMap: {main={hs_id=159488778875, hs_child_table_id=0, hs_updated_at=1716454216458, hs_published_at=1785476963368, description=Pharma industry veteran and expert at biomarker-driven clinical trial design and execution. Leader of biomarker and drug development programs for pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies, as well as the National Institutes of Health. Spearheaded the discovery of pharmacodynamic biomarkers and novel targets for inflammatory disease therapy., avatar=Image{width=576,height=576,url='https://5014803.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/5014803/PfM%20Website/Headshots/Headshots%20no%20background/Deb%20Phippard.webp',altText='Deb Phippard',fileId=165892372605}, linkedin=https://www.linkedin.com/in/deb-phippard-103b54, team=[{id=163072475007, name='Precision for Medicine Leadership'}], hs_name=, hs_path=, lastname=Phippard, PhD, hs_initial_published_at=1775839468505, hs_created_at=1709645745106, hs_is_edited=false, hs_deleted_at=0, name=Deborah, job= Chief Scientific Officer, slug=deborah-phippard, email=, hs_updated_by_user_id=65160865}, second={hs_id=218178874459, hs_child_table_id=0, hs_updated_at=1785241362455, hs_published_at=1785476963368, description=Jenny Zilberberg has more than 20 years of combined experience across academia and biotechnology, with expertise in translational immunology, cancer immunotherapy, and biomarker strategy. Most recently, she served as Head of Research at Imvax, where she led preclinical development and biomarker activities for the company’s immunotherapy platform and lead glioblastoma program. At Precision, Jenny partners with sponsors to design and implement biomarker and bioanalytical solutions that support clinical development across oncology and autoimmune diseases., avatar=Image{width=480,height=480,url='https://5014803.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/5014803/JennyZilberberg.jpeg',altText='JennyZilberberg',fileId=218182303073}, lastname=Zilberberg, hs_initial_published_at=1785241367324, hs_created_by_user_id=65712240, hs_created_at=1785241302354, hs_is_edited=false, hs_deleted_at=0, name=Jenny, job=Vice President, Scientific Strategy, slug=Jenny-zilberberg, hs_updated_by_user_id=65160865}, third={}})