Functional Cellular Assays

Complex assays like phospho-flow, Treg suppression, and intracellular cytokine quantification can be very sensitive to lab technique.  We begin by first developing a full understanding of the research application of your assay to ensure that the sample matrix, flow cytometry panels, and gating strategies can be designed and optimized accordingly, and assure adherence to all regulatory guidelines and principles (GLP and GCLP). We then leverage our extensive experience and an in-house antibody titration library to efficiently develop assay(s) to support your unique program.

Intracellular cytokine analysis (ICS)

ICS is an extremely versatile, high-resolution method that allows researchers to examine the intracellular cytokine production profiles in different cell types, in response to various stimuli.

Apoptosis 

Flow cytometry can be used to measure programmed cell death, assess changes in cell membrane integrity, DNA content, and identifying apoptotic cells based on distinct fluorescence signals.

Cell proliferation 

Cell proliferation assays are useful to determine cell division and measure the expanding population. Using flow cytometry-based approaches, we can evaluate cell proliferation in heterogeneous samples without the use of radioactivity.

Phospho-flow

Phospho-flow assays are used to evaluate and analyze intracellular signaling and phosphorylation events in complex biological matrices and conditions.  Unlike lysate-based approaches, flow cytometry-based measurements can identify changes in discrete cell populations and provide single cell resolution.

Ex vivo stimulation 

Ex vivo stimulation involves activating immune cells outside the body. Precision in ex vivo stimulation methodology enables a host of down-stream evaluations by flow cytometry.

Suppression assays 

A suppression assay evaluates the ability of regulatory cells to inhibit the activation and proliferation of target cells, providing insights into immune system regulation.  Utilizing a flow cytometry based method, we can measure the impact to specific target cell populations.