Functional Assays

Custom functional assays for drug discovery

Our functional assays are fully customizable, reflecting the true biological activity of your compounds. Whether assessing immune function, tumor cell dynamics, or CNS responses, we work with you to select the optimal cell models, readouts, and assay formats. This collaborative approach reduces risk, improves translational relevance, and ensures reliable, reproducible data to guide your decision-making.

Solve your challenges with custom functional assays

Tailored approach - We help you select the right technology and cell model for your specific target and disease context.

Biological complexity - Crafting unique assays to reflect the true function of your compound in physiologically relevant systems.

Leverage subject matter expertise - Collaborate with our specialists in your therapeutic area

Learn more about our therapeutic areas

Our solutions include:

• Individual optimized assay design based on the relevant therapeutic area and mechanism of action (MOA)
• Expert-recommended multi-parameter readouts, including cytokines, gene expression and activation markers. Gain maximal insight from each experiment.
• Cell-type specific functional assays, from T cells to microglia

It’s time to build the right assay for your target, download the brochure

Explore our pre-validated functional assays by cell type

 T lymphocytes 

Unlock powerful insights into T cell function

• Activation assays (polyclonal and antigen-specific) measuring proliferation, activation markers and cytokine release such as IFN-γ and IL-2 
• T cell polarization assays including Th1, Th17 and iTreg 
• DC-T cell coculture assay (MLR and autologous assay using peptide pools) 
• T cell-mediated tumor cell killing assay 
• Exhausted T cell assay 
• T cell chemotaxis assay 
• iTreg and nTreg suppression assay 

Macrophages 

Characterize innate immune responses

• Macrophage differentiation, polarization and activation assays 
• Co-culture with T cells for suppression or activation studies
• Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT) assay 
• Phagocytosis and efferocytosis assay 
• NLRP3 Inflammasome activation assay 

Natural Killer (NK) cell 

Assess cytotoxic function and immune engagement

• NK cell activation assay 
• Natural cytotoxicity assay 
• Antibody mediated cellular cytotoxicity assay (ADCC) 

Fibroblast

Uncover the role of fibroblasts in disease

• Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) activation assay 

Cancer cells

Evaluate tumor cell dynamics and immune responses

• Growth, apoptosis and necrosis assays 
• Immunogenic cell death utilizing extracellular ATP, HMGB1 release and surface calreticulin detection 

Microglia

Delve into CNS immune responses

• Microglia polarization assay  
• Microglial phagocytosis assay 

Astrocytes

Model neuroinflammatory states

• Astrocyte polarization assay 

Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells (OPCs)

Advance demyelination studies

• OPC Maturation assay 

Neurons

Study neuronal health and function

• Neurite outgrowth assays 
• Neurotoxicity and neuroprotection assays

Ready to begin your journey?

Whether you're developing a new therapy or validating a target, our team is here to support your success. Speak to an expert today

Functional assays FAQs

Q: What are functional assays?

A: Custom-designed in vitro assays that evaluate a compound’s effect on cellular function, mechanism of action, and immune responses.

Q: Why use custom functional assays?

A: Standard assays often fail to capture biological complexity. Custom functional assays provide physiologically relevant data to guide decision-making.

Q: Which cell types can be used in functional assays?

A: T cells, NK cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, neurons, microglia, astrocytes, OPCs, and cancer cells.

Q: Can functional assays be multi-parameter?

A: Yes. We recommend multi-parameter readouts such as cytokine profiles, gene expression, and activation markers for maximal insight.