Characterization of natural killer cells' cytotoxic heterogeneity using an array of sono-cages

Using a multi-well device as an array of sono-cages for single cell analysis, we quantify for the first time the heterogeneity of natural killer (NK) cells' cytotoxic response against cancer cells. We report a fraction of inactive NK cells within the tested population (36%), as well as the existence of few 'serial killers' that eliminate up to six targets during 4 hours. We also characterize the multi-well acoustic device in terms of trapping efficiency at different actuation voltages, using adherent and non-adherent cell lines. We show that the acoustic forces applied on the cells can be compared to forces of biological processes (i.e. cell adherence).
QC 20150424