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

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Sponsored by:

Lonza Bioscience
Date:
September 9, 2025
Time (PT):
11:00 AM
Duration (min):
60

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.

Presenters

Ethan Shelkey

Lonza
Research Scientist

Ethan Shelkey, Ph.D. is a Research Scientist with the Bioscience Division at Lonza. As part of the team at the primary human cell isolation site, Ethan works to develop new assays for cell use and new protocols for improved cell characterization. He is the technical subject matter expert many of the projects involving immunology or genomics. Previous to his role at Lonza, he worked to create immune-competent 3D models of patient tumours to test immunotherapy efficacy.

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Sponsor

Lonza Bioscience

Lonza BioScience Solutions provides life science researchers with the tools needed to develop and test therapeutics, from basic research to final product release. Lonza's BioScience products and services range from cell culture and discovery technologies, to QC tests and software for biomanufacturing. Bioscience Solutions serves customers worldwide in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as academic and government research institutions. Brands include Clonetics Primary Cells, hepatic products for ADME-Tox Solutions, Nucleofector¢ Transfection Technology, MycoAlert Mycoplasma Detection Assay, PyroGENE rFC Endotoxin Detection Assay, PyroTec PRO Robotic Solution and WinKQCL Endotoxin-Testing Analysis Software, MODA Solutions for environmental monitoring and electronic batch recording.

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