Validation of an Image-Based 3D Natural Killer Cell Mediated Cytotoxicity Assay

An in vitro model for natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity was developed, using a collagen-based scaffold 3D cell culture technology. This technology induced HCT116 cells to aggregate into tumoroids over time, which became the target cells during the cytotoxicity assay. Cytotoxicity with this model was compared to HCT116 cells adhered to microplates in a conventional 2D format. This application note shows how the 3D model was found to be far superior in both maintaining cell health over time and accurately depicting cytotoxic events.