In vitro natural killer (NK) cell assays are pivotal for understanding the innate immune system's role in targeting and eliminating virally infected cells and tumors. These assays allow researchers to study NK cell activation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine production, providing valuable insights into their mechanisms of action. Evaluating the effects of therapeutic agents on NK cell function is critical for developing effective immunotherapies and cancer treatments. NK cell assays also facilitate research into disease mechanisms and support personalized medicine approaches by identifying biomarkers and tailoring treatments to individual patients' immune profiles.

NK Cell Isolation and Identification

It involves selectively extracting NK cells from mixed cell populations and verifying their phenotype using specific surface markers. The process typically utilizes flow cytometry to identify cells that are CD3-negative (CD3-) to exclude T cells, and CD56-positive (CD56+) to confirm NK cell identity. The presence of the CD16 marker, which may be either positive or negative (CD16+/-), further refines the identification, distinguishing between different subsets of NK cells based on their cytotoxic potential and receptor expression.

NK Cell Proliferation and Cytokine Release Assays

It involves evaluating the expansion and functional capacity of NK cells under various conditions. We can also measure key effector molecules such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), granzyme B, and perforin, which are crucial for the cytotoxic activity of NK cells. Additionally, degranulation processes are assessed to determine the ability of NK cells to release these cytotoxic granules upon activation.

NK Cell Tumor Killing & ADCC Assays

We provide comprehensive NK Cell Tumor Killing and Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) Assays, designed to evaluate the efficacy of NK cells in eliminating cancer cells under various experimental conditions. Our service offers both 2D and 3D assay formats to mimic different tissue environments, utilizing advanced technologies such as Incucyte for real-time imaging and flow cytometry for detailed cellular analysis. Our assays can be tailored to assess both ADCC-dependent and independent mechanisms, allowing for a thorough investigation of NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.