RoukenBio provides 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. We offer a range of assays to explore NK cell function and therapeutic 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 in immuno-oncology, antibody development, cell therapy 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.
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 and proliferation, we work collaboratively to design the right approach for your molecule.
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 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 culture conditions and evaluate whether your strategy supports sustained NK cell expansion without compromising phenotype or function.
Expand and cryopreserve NK cells from healthy donors for use in your assays. NK cell banks provide a reliable source of NK cells for various research and therapeutic applications such as cell therapy development, standardized research assays and preclinical studies.
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.
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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