T Cell Activation Assays

T cells are central regulators of adaptive immunity, driving responses such as cytokine production, cytotoxicity, and immune memory. Modulating T cell activity is critical across therapeutic areas, with enhanced activation desired in oncology and infectious diseases, while suppression is key in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. This assay uses human primary immune cells to assess T cell activation and immunomodulation across modalities, enabling detection of both immune-enhancing and immune-suppressive effects.

• Modality agnostic: Works effectively for both biologics and small molecules.
• Flexible formats (PBMC or isolated T cells) for physiologically relevant or targeted testing.
• Robust, reproducible activation using optimized stimulation conditions.
• Multiparametric readouts (activation, proliferation, cytokines) with optional cytotoxicity assessment.

• Flow cytometry measures activation markers (CD25, CD69), proliferation (Ki67 or CFSE), and viability in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
• Cytokines (e.g. IL-2, IFN-γ) quantified by ELISA or multiplex.
• Cytotoxicity data (LDH-Glo, CellTiter-Glo, or viability staining) complements functional readouts.

Exemplar data. Abatacept induced a dose-dependent reduction in CD25 and Ki67 expression, consistent with suppression of T cell activation and proliferation. Lenalidomide increased T cell activation, while sotraustaurin decreased T cell activation in a dose-dependent manner, as measured by CD25 expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. PBMCs from four independent donors were analyzed by flow cytometry. Data are shown as mean ± SEM (n = 4 donors).

This assay provides a flexible, reliable platform to assess immunomodulatory effects across modalities.

It helps solve key client challenges by delivering clear, interpretable data on T cell activation alongside cytotoxicity, supporting confident decision-making for both biologics and small molecule programs.