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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