In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models
Functional and Phenotypic Immune Characterization
In vitro and ex vivo assays are essential tools for exploring immune function, drug mechanisms, and cellular phenotypes in a controlled environment. We offer a broad portfolio of in vitro and ex vivo models tailored to preclinical research in immunology, autoimmunity, oncology, neuroinflammation and inflammatory diseases.
Our work is built on reproducible methods, biological relevance, and flexibility. From screening to deep mechanistic studies, we combine flow cytometry, multiplex cytokine analysis, gene expression profiling, and advanced cell-based assays to generate robust, decision-supporting data.
Core Capabilities
Flow Cytometry and Immunophenotyping
Comprehensive immune profiling using pre-configured and customizable panels.
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Analysis of T cells, B cells, NK cells, monocytes/macrophages, DCs, and neutrophils
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Human, mouse, and rat samples from blood, lymphoid organs, and tissues
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Two Attune NxT instruments (3 lasers, up to 11 markers) in-house
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Access to high-parameter instruments (>20 markers) via collaborators
Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)
High-purity isolation of defined immune cell subsets and rare populations for downstream work.
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Sorting for culture, functional assays, RNA-seq, and other applications
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Access to advanced sorters (FACSAria III, FACSMelody, FACSymphony S6, FACSDiscover S8) via core facilities
Functional Cell-Based Assays
Sensitive quantification of soluble mediators and biomarkers:
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ELISA and Luminex for cytokines, chemokines, and toxicity markers
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ELISpot and FluoroSpot for single-cell cytokine secretion
Gene Expression and Transcriptomics
Molecular characterization of immune responses.
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qPCR and ddPCR for targeted gene expression analysis
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Bulk and single-cell RNA-seq for deep transcriptomic profiling
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Full workflow from tissue homogenization to data-ready material
Protein and Signaling Analysis
Characterization of protein expression and signaling pathways.
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Western blot for protein levels and phosphorylation status
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Phospho-specific assays to study kinase activity and pathway modulation
Histology and Imaging
Tissue-level evaluation to complement cellular and molecular data.
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Histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC)
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Morphology, cell-type localization, and biomarker validation
Hematology (Sysmex)
Advanced blood composition and cell count analysis.
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RBC, WBC, and platelet profiling
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Immune cell dynamics in disease models and treatment studies
These in vitro and ex vivo models provide biologically relevant platforms to accelerate discovery, mechanism-of-action studies, and preclinical development across therapeutic areas. Contact us to discuss your study needs or request assay-specific information sheets.
B and T cell biology
Service
Discover how your compound shapes B and T cell activation, differentiation, and immune balance with our comprehensive B and T cell biology platforms.
Understand exactly how your compound works with detailed cell health and signaling assays that uncover true mechanism-of-action.
Study real immune–cell and tissue interactions in physiologically relevant co-culture systems that mimic disease-driving biology.
Functional Immune Assays
Service
See how immune cells truly behave — activate, proliferate, kill, and communicate — in our high-resolution functional immune assay suite.
Uncover the inflammatory power of macrophages and monocytes through precise polarization and activation assays tailored to your targets.
Explore neuroinflammation at its core with advanced microglia assays that reveal CNS-specific immune mechanisms and drug effects.
Translate immune responses into actionable molecular insights with integrated cytokine, gene expression, and protein biomarker platforms.
Unlock the full picture of pathway activation and gene regulation with sensitive reporter and transfection systems built to reveal true mechanistic effects.
Contact us
Nina Woodworth
COO