Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity: a flow cytometry-based assay using fluorophores

Using flow cytometry (FCM), an assay has been developed for the determination of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Target cells were labelled with a membrane dye, PKH-26, to allow discrimination when incubated with effector cells and antibody. Post-incubation, cell death within the PKH-26+ target cell population was assessed by the addition of the viability probe TO-PRO-3 iodide (TP3). This ADCC method allows analysis to be conducted on a single cell basis and overcomes the need for radiochemicals. This communication indicates that the assay is accurate and reproducible with the potential to be a useful tool for evaluating the therapeutic potential of antibodies and antibody-based reagents.