Cell-Based Assays
Curia performs a wide variety of cell-based assays to support drug discovery efforts in both the small molecule and large molecule arenas. Our Assay team’s broad experience in culture and implementation of standard cell lines, iPSCs, primary cell lines and PBMCs utilizing a wide variety of readouts and technologies. The assay team leverages the full menu of Multimode Readers, Cell Imaging/Analysis instrumentation, Genetic Assay Technologies and Analytical Instruments available across Curia. We maintain BSL2+ level cell culture labs and utilize segregation and isolation of Tissue preparation, Viral workflows as well as a quarantine for new cell lines received from clients and collaborators. A variety of liquid handling technologies and platforms are available to support studies at a small scale as well as at full HTS scale
Assay Type Highlights:
- Standardized Assays: ADCC/CDC, T-Cell Functional Assays, Viral Ab Neutralization, TCID50 and Cytotoxicity…fine tuned to client need
- Cell stimulation workflows with multiple readouts
- Reporter Gene/Immune Checkpoint assays
- PBMC-based workflows: Commercial Thaw-and-Use cells or fresh via on-site Research Blood Donor program
- Custom Bioassay Cell Line generation, RCB and MCB workflows
- Full customization of workflow and assay formats available
Assay Format/Technology Highlights:
- Fluorescent/Luminescence: HTRF, FP, FRET, AlphaLISA, AlphaScreen, Glo, Luciferase
- Flow Cytometry and FACS
- ELISA-Based: Meso Scale Discovery ECL and traditional TMB
- cIEF/CE-SDS and Traditional PAGE/Western (ECL and Fluorescence Imaging)
- Epi-fluorescence Microscopy, Confocal and High Content Screening (HCS)
- Spectrophotometric Abs and Radiometric Readouts
- Full Custom Development; Discovery through cGxP Assay Support
Liquid Handling Highlights:
- Formulatrix Tempest Automated Dispenser Platform
- 96/384 Channel Pipettors from Integra Biosciences and Apricot Technologies
- Tecan d300e Digital Dispenser
- Labcyte Echo 550 (3rd Party Collaboration)
Cell-Based Assay Case Study:
Antibody Neutralization Assay in HEK293 Cells
- Purpose: Recurrent flow cytometry screening of non-human primate serum samples for neutralizing antibodies to a particular set of viruses in support of Client’s Rare Disease Unit
- Design: HEK293 cells are transduced with MOI of 10e4 virus particles either neat or pre-incubated with heat-inactivated test serum samples in titration for 48 hours to determine neutralization values of transduction. Readout by flow cytometry to detect virally expressed GFP. Wt virus capable of 100% transduction @ 10e4 MOI; Mutant-only capable of ~7-14% transduction @ 10e4 MOI
- Optimization Work: Confirmation of functionality of Wt and Mutant viruses and establish consistency with existing literature data for transduction levels. Scaling of workflow for maximum sample throughput
- Outcome: Currently in recurrent support modality; batches of 50-150 samples. Additional viral variants optimized and in testing
