Advances in Preclinical Research using Human Co-culture Models: Applications in Immunology, Infectious Disease, and Oncology

Join Dr. Ethan Shelkey as he discusses human primary co-culture models with immune cells that are used in infectious disease studies and cancer therapeutic testing.

With the implementation of the FDA Modernization Act, which encourages the use of human primary cell systems in place of traditional animal models, there is a growing emphasis on the development and application of advanced in vitro coculture models. This webinar will explore the critical role of co-culture systems incorporating immune cells in enhancing the physiological relevance and predictive power of preclinical studies.

We will delve into key applications of co-culture models, focusing on lung epithelial cell and PBMC-based systems for infectious disease research, including their use in simulating human immune responses to viral and bacterial infections. The session will also highlight the utility of co-culture models in cancer therapeutic testing, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays using cancer cell–PBMC systems, T-cell and dendritic cell (T:DC) interactions, and evaluations of off-target immune toxicity.

Attendees will gain insight into how these human cell-based models provide a more accurate representation of in vivo biology, and accelerate the development of safer, more effective therapies. This session is ideal for researchers, pharmacologists, and regulatory professionals aiming to modernize their in vitro testing strategies in alignment with emerging scientific and policy framework.