RoukenBio provides Natural Killer (NK) cell assays designed to characterize natural killer cell activity, activation, proliferation and cytotoxic function in human-relevant in vitro systems. Our assays support therapeutic discovery and development by helping you understand how candidate molecules influence NK cell biology, including target cell killing, activation state and expansion potential.
Natural killer (NK) cells are best known for their roles in recognition and killing of virally infected cells and tumor immunosurveillance. Their activity is regulated by a balance of germline encoded activating and inhibitory immunoreceptors that allow them to directly respond to cellular stress, infection or malignancy. Their ability to kill tumor cells makes them an attractive target in cancer immunotherapy.
As an immunology CRO, we develop tailored natural killer cell assay strategies for programs across immuno-oncology, autoimmunity and immune modulation. Using primary human cells and physiologically relevant assay formats, we generate high-quality data to help you evaluate mechanism of action, potency and functional response.
NK cell mediated ADCC
NK cell expansion and banking
NK cell activation
Our NK cell proliferation assays assess how therapeutics, cytokines, feeder systems or culture conditions influence NK cell growth and expansion over time. A robust NK cell proliferation assay can support cell therapy development, ex vivo expansion workflows and broader assessment of NK cell fitness.
These assays can be used to compare donor responses, optimise optimize culture conditions, and evaluate whether your strategy supports sustained NK cell expansion without compromising phenotype or function.
Our NK cell proliferation assays assess how therapeutics, cytokines, feeder systems or culture conditions influence NK cell growth and expansion over time. A robust NK cell proliferation assay can support cell therapy development, ex vivo expansion workflows and broader assessment of NK cell fitness.
These assays can be used to compare donor responses, optimise optimize culture conditions, and evaluate whether your strategy supports sustained NK cell expansion without compromising phenotype or function.
We expand and cryopreserve NK cells from healthy donors to provide a reliable source of material for your assays and development workflows.
Our NK cell banks support:
Access to well-characterized NK cell stocks can reduce variability and support more consistent assay execution, particularly when large numbers of cells are needed across a program.
Our NK cell activation assays evaluate treatment-driven changes in NK cell phenotype using flow cytometry-based readouts. This NK cell activity assay format measures shifts in surface protein expression associated with NK cell activation, helping you understand how a candidate therapeutic modulates NK cell responsiveness.
These assays are useful for comparing candidate molecules, defining early pharmacodynamic effects, and building a stronger mechanistic understanding alongside cytotoxicity and proliferation data.
RoukenBio combines deep immunology expertise with bespoke assay development to deliver NK cell assays that are biologically relevant, scientifically rigorous and aligned to your programme goals. Whether you need a natural killer cell assay assessing cytotoxicity, activation or proliferation, we work collaboratively to design the right approach for your molecule. Our team integrates primary human immune cells, flow cytometry, translational immunology and custom in vitro assay development to help you answer difficult biological questions and generate data that supports confident decision-making.
As a global pharmaceutical contract research organization, RoukenBio provides drug development services to the vast scientific network worldwide. Our scientific partners are based mainly in the USA—particularly in Massachusetts (Boston, Cambridge) and California (San Francisco and San Diego)—Canada (from Vancouver up to Seattle), the UK, and Europe.
