RoukenBio provides Natural Killer (NK) cell assays designed to characterise 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 tumour 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 tumour cells makes them an attractive target in cancer immunotherapy.
As an immunology CRO, we develop tailored natural killer cell assay strategies for programmes 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
Assess the ability of natural killer (NK) cells to recognise and eliminate antibody‑coated target cells via antibody‑dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). This assay evaluates the potency and functional activity of therapeutic antibodies by measuring NK cell activation, degranulation, and target cell lysis.
Using physiologically relevant effector and target systems, these assays provide insight into Fc‑mediated mechanisms of action and help optimise antibody design and candidate selection. Applications span immuno‑oncology, therapeutic antibody development, and infectious disease research, supporting both early discovery and translational programmes.
Assess the ability of natural killer (NK) cells to recognise and eliminate antibody‑coated target cells via antibody‑dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). This assay evaluates the potency and functional activity of therapeutic antibodies by measuring NK cell activation, degranulation, and target cell lysis.
Using physiologically relevant effector and target systems, these assays provide insight into Fc‑mediated mechanisms of action and help optimise antibody design and candidate selection. Applications span immuno‑oncology, therapeutic antibody development, and infectious disease research, supporting both early discovery and translational programmes.
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-characterised NK cell stocks can reduce variability and support more consistent assay execution, particularly when large numbers of cells are needed across a programme.
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’s NK cell assays are designed to generate functional, mechanistically informative readouts that support decision‑making during therapeutic discovery and development. Assay design is guided by the biology of the target and the intended mechanism of action, rather than fixed off‑the‑shelf formats.
Depending on the programme, assays may assess NK cell–mediated cytotoxicity, activation state, expansion potential, or antibody‑dependent effector function using primary human NK cells. Functional outputs are often combined with phenotypic or multiparametric flow cytometry readouts to build a robust understanding of how a candidate molecule modulates NK cell biology.
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.
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