INV-17085
The outcome of many pathological diseases including cancer is determined by types (functional and phenotypical) of immune cells present in the body. The existence of tremendous heterogeneity in these cells influences the time taken for the immune reaction and an individual’s ability to recover from the illness. Hence, assessing the intracellular and intercellular signaling to assess heterogeneity of immune cells by single-cell analysis is important for translational medicine. The current single-cell analytical methods are unable to analyze dynamic changes in cell signaling.
Northeastern University researchers have developed bioassays for detecting responses from single cells, cellular secretions, or neighboring pairs suspended in micro-scale droplets (80-200µm diameter) generated in microfluidic platforms. These droplets serve as bioreactors for the encapsulated cells and ensure viability and functionality. It also allows for the analysis of single and multiple cell responses to assess heterogeneity. The platform provides the flexibility of tracking singular as well as serial interactions between two cell types, thereby mimicking the situation in vivo where one cell type may encounter large populations of a secondary cell type.