Services
Cell processing from various organs
For all functional assays, cells (PBMCs - peripheral blood mononuclear cells, MNCs - mononuclear cells - from organs) can be processed and, upon request, preserved from different organs within NHP studies. Processing of PBMCs from other whole blood samples is possible upon agreement.
Sample Material: Citrate whole blood (PBMCs), lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, various intestinal sections, biopsies from the intestine, and upon request.
Prices available upon request.
Immunophenotyping of Various Cells (Flow Cytometry)
Depending on the research question, we design multi-parameter flow panels to characterize cells of the innate and adaptive immune response. This can also be combined with ICS (intracellular cytokine staining).
Measurement Parameters: Available upon request and according to the scientific research topic.
Sample Material: EDTA whole blood; additionally for ICS: citrate whole blood or PBMCs, MNCs from various organs.
Required Volume: 50 microliter (for combinations with ICS, volume depends on the research question and the antigens to be studied).
Prices available upon request.
Quantification of analytes, e.g. antibodies and proteins
We offer the determination of antibodies or proteins using ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay) and Western Blot. Whenever possible, we use commercial assays, but there is also the option for in-house establishment.
Sample material and required volume upon agreement.
Prices available upon request.
Quantification of Cytokines, chemokine, etc.
ELISpot Assay (Enzyme linked Immuno Spot Assay)
This highly sensitive method is a widely-used assay for the detection and quantification of e.g. cytokine-producing cells.
Measurement Parameters: IFN-γ
Sample Material: Citrate whole blood, PBMCs, MNCs from various organs.
Required Volume: upon agreement
Prices available upon request.
Intracellular Cytokine Staining (ICS, flow cytometry)
ICS allows for the examination of antigen-specific T-cell responses using flow cytometry. A major advantage is that, in addition to determining the proportion of cytokine-producing cells, it enables simultaneous analysis of multiple surface markers and various intracellular cytokines/molecules in individual cells.
Measurement Parameters: IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-17, IL-10, IL-4, Granzyme B, Perforin, CD107a (LAMP-1), and upon request.
Sample Material: Citrate whole blood, PBMCs, MNCs from various organs.
Required Volume: upon agreement
Prices available upon request.
Bead-based Assays
This method allows for the simultaneous determination of a wide variety of soluble or intracellular proteins, such as cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, etc., using flow cytometry.
Measurement Parameters: Available upon request and according to the scientific research topic
Sample Material: Serum, plasma, or cell culture supernatant.
Required Volume: 25 - 50 microliter.
Prices available upon request.
Functional studies
CFSE proliferation assay
This assay can be used to assess the functionality of different cell populations during disease progression or before and during treatments. Depending on the research topic, the assay can be combined with phenotyping or ICS.
Measurement Parameters: CFSE
Sample Material: Citrate whole blood or PBMCs, MNCs from various organs.
Required Volume: Depends on the research topic
Prices available upon request.