Immune Cell Activation Assay

← Assays

The immune cell activation assay is used to evaluate the functional response of immune cells, such as T cells, B cells, or NK cells, upon exposure to stimuli. Activation is typically measured by monitoring changes in surface markers, cytokine secretion, or intracellular signaling molecules, providing insights into immune responses and the effects of immunomodulatory agents. Immune responder cells are stimulated with defined stimulus, resulting in activation characterized by upregulation of surface markers and cytokine secretion.

Principle of Immune Cell Activation Assay

It involves exposing responder immune cells (e.g., PBMCs, T-cells, B-cells, NK cells) to specific stimuli, such as chemical compounds, antigens, or cytokines. Stimulating agents, like antigens or cytokines, engage receptors on immune cells, leading to signaling cascades. Activated immune cells upregulate activation markers (e.g., CD69, CD25) and secrete cytokines (e.g., IFN-γ, IL-2).

Readouts

Immune cell activation by flow cytometry (e.g., CD69, CD25 expression) and cytokine secretion profiling (e.g., IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α) via ELISA or multiplex assays.

Add-On Services

Evaluation of cytokine release, proteomics, and transcriptomics.

Key Components of Immune Cell Activation Assay

A. Immune Modulators

  • Activators: Agents that stimulate immune cells, such as cytokines (e.g., IL-2, IL-12), pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), or synthetic activators (e.g., PMA, ionomycin).

  • Inhibitors: Agents that block immune cell activation or modulate immune responses (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors like anti-PD-1, anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, or immunosuppressive cytokines like TGF-β).

B. Activation Markers

  • Monoclonal antibodies targeting cell surface activation markers (e.g., CD69, CD25, CD137) or intracellular markers to assess immune cell activation.

C. Detection Methods

  • Flow Cytometry: for measuring activation markers, cytokine production, and cellular proliferation.

  • Cytokine Assays: ELISA or multiplex assays to quantify the levels of secreted cytokines.