Immune Checkpoint Assays

Creative Biolabs is a global biotechnology company with years of experience in helping our customers develop their immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), recombinant proteins, peptides, or small molecules, using our innovative immuno-oncology assays. With the help of our advanced platform, we can demonstrate the binding and functional properties of your molecule and its potential mechanism of action.

Immune Checkpoint Protein Overview

There has been a tremendous amount of studies in the field of immuno-oncology, which aims to research the ability of an individual’s immune system to attack and destroy tumor cells. On the heel of these findings, therapeutics called checkpoint inhibitors were developed that modulated the immune system to sustain and/or promote lymphocyte activation to destroy cancer cells. The first immune checkpoint inhibitor, which targeted CTLA-4, was approved by the FDA in 2011, providing proof of concept that checkpoint inhibitors can be used to modulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. Then, many biotechnology companies began to search for other targets and develop molecules to target them. Typical examples of checkpoint proteins found on T cells or cancer cells include PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4/CD80/CD86.

Fig.1 Immune checkpoint inhibition mechanisms of action relevant to lung cancer immunotherapy. (Marrone, 2016)

Immune Checkpoint Assays

• Immune Checkpoint Binding and Interaction Assays

Our immune checkpoint binding and interaction assays provide an initial characterization of your immune checkpoint inhibitor candidates. In the general case, we begin by stimulating T cells in the presence of the checkpoint inhibitor using a variety of activating reagents.

• Immune Checkpoint Functional Assays

Normally, checkpoint inhibitors have to be tested for immuno-modulatory activities using functional assays. Following stimulation, execution of functional assays is performed, such as T cell proliferation assay, cytokine production assay, and T cell cytotoxicity assay. These functional assays are offered in a high throughput method so multiple molecules and conditions can be incorporated. Tailored immune checkpoint functional assay is also available. In that case, a unique reporter cell line could also be used to determine if your inhibitor can restore immune cell function.

• Immune Checkpoint Potency and Stability Assays

  Multiple immune checkpoint potency and stability assays are available for you, such as:

  • Measure potency and stability of FcγRIIb crosslinking-dependent agonist antibodies
  • Measure potency and stability of biologics designed to block the interaction of TIM-3
  • Measure potency and stability of biologics designed to activate CD40
  • ...

Together, Creative Biolabs is competent to help design a roadmap to develop your checkpoint inhibitors, as well as execute studies to bring that roadmap into focus. Please contact us for more detailed information.

Reference

1. Marrone, K. A.; Brahmer, J. R. Using immune checkpoint inhibitors in lung cancer. Oncology. 2016, 30(8): 713-713.

All listed customized services & products are for research use only, not intended for pharmaceutical, diagnostic, therapeutic, or any in vivo human use.