The Immune Assessment Core (IAC) is a comprehensive source of immunological testing services for basic, clinical, and translational studies. The IAC provides both standardized and customizable multi-parameter flow cytometry, immunoassays and functional assays to evaluate the innate and adaptive immune status of study subjects in a CLIA-certified environment. The Core uses high-throughput technologies to maximize data output using small sample volumes. We work closely with our clients to assist with the analysis and interpretation of their data sets to ensure they get the most out of the samples they have collected.

Validated tests include comprehensive immunophenotyping panels, multiplexed cytokine/chemokine detection in body fluids or culture supernatants, several ELISA assays, allo- and virus-specific T cell activation, T and B cell proliferation to antigens and mitogens, NK cell cytotoxicity, and granulocyte/monocyte oxidative burst. These assays can be used to aid the diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency and for immune monitoring purposes. In addition to our various validated assays, the core performs customized assay development in all its areas of expertise to meet the investigators’ needs.

We are also actively involved in projects aimed at standardizing immune assessment assays, including the NIH CTOT harmonization consortium and the FOCIS/NIH sponsored HIPC validation project. These consortia are focused on developing and implementing standardized protocols for testing and data analysis.