Dendritic Cell (DC) Assays

In vitro dendritic-cell (DC) assays are essential for studying the role of DCs in initiating and regulating immune responses. These assays support analysis of DC differentiation, maturation and antigen-presenting capacity, which are central to T-cell activation and robust immune responses. By examining antigen processing and presentation, researchers can support vaccine development and immunotherapy design while evaluating how drugs and therapeutic agents affect DC function.

DC Induction and Characterization Assays

This assay evaluates the induction of immature dendritic cells (iDCs) by analyzing phenotypic markers and functional characteristics, providing insights into DC biology and their potential use in immunotherapeutic research.

DC Maturation and Activation Assays

We evaluate the progression of dendritic cells from an immature to a mature state by analyzing cell-surface markers including CD83, CD86, CD80 and MHC II, together with cytokine responses. This assay helps characterize DC readiness to initiate immune responses in immunotherapy and vaccine research.

DC-Mediated Antigen Presentation

This assay involves co-culturing DCs with CD4+ T cells from OT-I or OT-II transgenic mice, which express T-cell receptors specific to peptides presented by MHC class I or class II. The system supports evaluation of DC antigen presentation and the resulting T-cell response.

DC/CD4+ T Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction (MLR) Assays

For related T-cell activation and response assays, see the T Cell Assays ↗ section.