Immuno-oncology Applications

Some immune-oncology treatments work by enhancing the immune system, such as interleukins and Colony stimulating factors without targeting cancer cells directly. However, other novel immune-oncology treatment modalities have increased in complexity and specificity to include cell based administration of target specific TCR-engineered T cells, Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), expanding tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) cancer vaccines and other immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages and NK (natural killer) cells. Immuno-oncology treatments are being assessed in combination with a wide range of modalities to deliver maximal benefits for the patient.

Cell-based assays are critical in every stage of the biologics and immunotherapy development from early discovery, pre-clinical,
clinical and post launch population response analysis. 

They are utilized for: 

• Lead candidate selection
• Mode of action (MOA)  analysis
• Safety, efficacy, Toxicity testing 
• Off-target effects in a cellular environment 

Cell-based assays aka immunogenicity and immunotoxicity assays investigate the potency of immune-oncology therapies, either by enhancing interaction of cytotoxic cells with their tumor targets or by promoting cancer cell killing by overcoming T cell tolerance and increasing T cell or NK cell activation.

Peripheral Blood lymphocytes or specific isolated cell types such as T cells, Dendritic cells, NK cells can be used in immunogenicity assays such as:

• T cell proliferation assay 
• T:DC assay 
• NK cell cytotoxic assays