Co-culture and Interaction Models

Co-culture assays provide a physiologically relevant system for studying how different cell types communicate, regulate each other, and respond to therapeutic interventions. These models capture complex immune–cell and immune–tissue interactions that cannot be observed in single-cell systems, making them essential for translational immunology, oncology, and inflammation research.

At Redoxis, our co-culture platforms integrate primary immune cells, tumor cells, epithelial barriers, antigen-presenting cells, or stromal components to recreate relevant microenvironments. Each system is fully customizable to reflect specific disease scenarios, drug targets, and mechanistic questions.

Immune-mediated tumor killing, immune evasion & immunotherapy evaluation

These systems allow direct assessment of how immune cells interact with tumor cells, supporting discovery of immuno-oncology mechanisms and therapeutic modulation of cytotoxic responses.

What we measure

  • T cell–mediated tumor killing

  • NK-cell cytotoxicity

  • Tumor immune evasion pathways

  • Modulation of MHC, co-stimulatory and inhibitory receptors (e.g., PD-L1)

Readouts

  • Live/dead tumor cell analysis via flow cytometry

  • Cytokine secretion (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6)

  • Activation markers on immune cells

  • Real-time cytotoxicity or imaging (optional)

Applications

  • Immunotherapy and checkpoint inhibitor research

  • Cytotoxicity profiling of bispecifics, CAR-T surrogates, antibodies

  • Mechanism-of-action and combinational therapy evaluation

Barrier immunity, inflammation & tissue–immune cross-talk

These assays model immune–barrier interactions relevant to autoimmunity, psoriasis, gut inflammation, and respiratory immunity.

What we measure

  • Epithelial activation & cytokine release

  • Immune cell infiltration and activation

  • Barrier integrity (TEER; optional via partners)

  • Inflammatory mediator signaling

Readouts

  • Flow cytometry of immune infiltrates

  • Luminex/ELISA cytokine panels

  • Imaging or morphology (optional)

Applications

  • Inflammatory skin disease

  • Gut epithelial–immune regulation

  • Airway epithelial inflammation

  • Drug effects on tissue–immune communication

Antigen presentation, immune priming & adaptive activation

These assays model the primary interaction that drives adaptive immune responses.

What we measure

  • Antigen presentation efficiency

  • T cell activation and proliferation

  • Cytokine release and polarization

  • Modulation of co-stimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86)

Readouts

  • T cell proliferation (CellTrace™ dyes)

  • T helper subset differentiation

  • IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-10 secretion

  • DC phenotyping via flow cytometry

Applications

  • Mechanistic studies of antigen-specific responses

  • Autoimmunity and tolerance research

  • Vaccine and adjuvant development

Complex interactions for enhanced physiological relevance

For advanced mechanistic studies, we can combine:

  • Immune cells + tumor or epithelial cells + fibroblasts

  • Myeloid cells + T cells + target cells

  • Microglia + neurons (via partners)

Benefits

  • Captures pathway crosstalk not seen in isolated cultures

  • Better mimics tissue microenvironment

  • Allows mechanistic hypothesis testing in complex systems

Readouts

  • Multiparameter flow cytometry

  • Cytokine multiplexing

  • Imaging-based cell tracking

  • Phenotype-specific gene expression analysis

Technologies Used

  • Multicolor flow cytometry (up to 11 parameters in-house)

  • Luminex multiplex cytokine profiling

  • ELISA & FluoroSpot

  • Live-cell imaging (optional)

  • qPCR/ddPCR for mechanistic readouts

  • Western blot for signaling pathway evaluation

Applications Across Drug Development

Co-culture models support decision-making in:

  • Immuno-oncology — evaluating anti-tumor immune engagement

  • Autoimmunity & chronic inflammation — understanding aberrant immune–tissue interactions

  • Tissue regeneration & repair — immune-driven modulation of epithelial or stromal cells

  • Vaccine & adjuvant design — assessing antigen-specific activation pathways

  • Mechanism-of-action studies — defining direct vs indirect effects

Why Use Co-Culture Systems at Redoxis?

  • Highly customizable models tailored to your specific target

  • Flexible design using primary cells, cell lines, or mixed populations

  • Integrated readouts combining functional, phenotypic, and molecular endpoints

  • Strong immunology expertise to support both hypothesis-driven and discovery studies

  • Ability to combine co-culture systems with phosphorylation assays, transcriptomics, or immunophenotypingfor deeper mechanistic insight

Contact us

Inquiries? Questions?

Nina Woodworth

COO