3D Biology Based NK Cell-Mediated Killing Assays

As part of innate immunity, NK cells (natural killer cells) have multiple receptors that recognize abnormal cells and can autonomously detect and remove abnormal cells in the body, such as cancer cells or virally infected cells. To more accurately test the pathway and extent of NK cell-mediated tumor killing, Creative Biolabs offers a 3D biology platform-based assay for NK cell-mediated killing.

Process

3D biological models usually contain NK cells, tumor cells, and possibly other immune cells.
The cells that make up the 3D model are grown in a matrix that simulates a specific human environment.
Use modeling techniques that simulate the human organ environment in the laboratory.
More accurately mimics the behavior of NK cells in humans, and the model shows a large number of extracellular matrix proteins and cancer-like features.
Cell culture, microscopic observation, and flow cytometry analysis are used to observe and quantify the killing effect of NK cells on tumor cells.

Fig 1. 3D cancer cell aggregates for NK-mediated cytotoxicity. Fig 1. NK92-CD16 cell-mediated killing against 3D MCF-7 cell aggregates in Matrigel.¹

Features and Applications

Features

Complexity

As the traditional two-dimensional cell co-culture system is not representative of the pathological features, the 3D ex vivo model better approximates the complexity of the physiological system, so that the results observed in this model are more likely to be replicated in humans.

Fineness

The 3D biology model also allows us to study cell-cell interactions, which is important when studying how NK cells kill tumor cells, offering the possibility of developing more effective cancer treatments.

Applications

To understand NK cell infiltration and interaction with tumor cells in specific settings (e.g., in specific types of cancer).
To test the effects of pathological environment-induced NK cell dysfunction.
To test the effect of new drugs or therapies on NK cell activity and support high-intensity screening of agents that synergize NK cells.

Creative Biolabs offers the 3D bionic ex vivo model assay platforms described above, providing promising services for predicting specific responses to therapy through advanced therapeutic combinations involving NK cells. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

Reference

Gopal, S.; et al. 3D tumor spheroid microarray for high-throughput, high-content natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Commun Biol. 2021, 4(1): 893. Distributed under Open Access License CC BY 4.0, without modification.

Research Model

3D Biology Based Biomarker Discovery