ICS uses fluorescent antibodies to detect cytokines trapped inside cells following stimulation. After stimulation with a protein,peptide,or antigen-presenting cell,a secretion inhibitor is added to prevent cytokine release. Cells are then fixed,permeabilized,and stained with fluorescent antibody-conjugated anti-cytokine antibodies and phenotypic markers,allowing simultaneous detection of cytokine production and cell identity by flow cytometry.
"},{"faq_question":"What sample types work for ICS assays? ","faq_answer":"CellCarta performs intracellular cytokine staining on fresh whole blood,cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs),and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Regardless of the type of stimulation used,the assay delivers accurate profiling of cellular subsets within a sample.
"},{"faq_question":"How are ICS results expressed? ","faq_answer":"ICS results are expressed as the count or percentage of cytokine-secreting cells within a defined subset. For example,we can measure the percentage of IFN-γ-producing CD8+ T-cells within total CD8+ T-cells. Results can also be expressed as relative cytokine expression levels using median fluorescence intensities (MFI),providing a quantitative measure of how much cytokine each responding cell is producing. CellCarta's bioinformatics team can support downstream analysis of these datasets using CellEngine®.
"},{"faq_question":"When should ICS be used over ELISpot? ","faq_answer":"ICS assay services are best suited to programs requiring detailed phenotypic information on responding cell populations,including distinguishing CD4 from CD8 responses,tracking memory subsets,or assessing polyfunctionality across multiple cytokines simultaneously. ICS is particularly valuable in trials where the immune response may vary based on disease heterogeneity or treatment phase. However,ELISpot remains the preferred choice for focused single-cytokine measurement in well-characterized systems.
"},{"faq_question":"Can ICS and ELISpot be used together? ","faq_answer":"Yes. CellCarta supports combined ICS and ELISpot strategies within a single clinical program. ELISpot can be used first as a screening tool to identify which samples warrant deeper investigation. Then a comprehensive intracellular cytokine staining panel is deployed on those selected samples to characterize polyfunctionality and responding cell phenotype in full detail. This two-step approach maximizes scientific return on available sample.
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\nUnlike bulk cytokine measurement techniques,this approach measures the percentage of cytokine-producing cells,assesses phenotypic changes,and identifies the exact cellular subpopulation expressing the cytokines of interest within a single assay run.
","tab_image":"/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Intracellular-Cytokine-Staining-tabs-104.jpg","image_alt":"Scientist loading samples into a rack beside a monitor displaying flow cytometry plots."},{"tab_title":"Sample Flexibility ","content_title":"","content_body":"\nCellCarta cytokine assay services are compatible with a vast range of biological matrices. These clinical sample types include fresh whole blood,cryopreserved PBMCs,and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).
\n\nRegardless of the stimulation type used —whether proteins,peptides,or antigen-presenting cells — we provide accurate profiling of cellular subsets across all supported sample matrices.
","tab_image":"/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Intracellular-Cytokine-Staining-tabs-138.jpg","image_alt":"Scientist operating a benchtop flow cytometry instrument touchscreen in the laboratory."},{"tab_title":"Custom Assays ","content_title":"","content_body":"Our flow cytometry team can develop and validate ICS assays that are suited for your study’s specifications. With decades of experience backing us,we carefully optimize your assay’s parameters to guarantee reliable results.
\nRegardless of your study’s setup,matrices,and endpoint,we can readily implement an assay for tailored insights into cytokine production.
","tab_image":"/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Intracellular-Cytokine-Staining-tabs-18.jpg","image_alt":"Scientist working at a laboratory bench beside a flow cytometry instrument."},{"tab_title":"Integrated Analysis ","content_title":"","content_body":"Our ICS assays enable the simultaneous investigation of intracellular and surface markers within individual cells. HLA class I multimers can be incorporated,allowing for an in-depth understanding of the immune landscape.
\nOur team can leverage our bioinformatics capabilities and CellEngine software,as well as complementary assays such as CFSE and ELISpot,to deliver a complete profile of antigen-specific responses.
","tab_image":"/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Intracellular-Cytokine-Staining-tabs-87.jpg","image_alt":"Scientist reviewing flow cytometry data at a dual-monitor workstation."},{"tab_title":"Multiplexing ","content_title":"","content_body":"CellCarta's ICS assays support high-level multiplexing,with 16-color panels for conventional cytometry and 30+ color panels for spectral flow cytometry or mass cytometry readily available.
\nWe can simultaneously measure multiple cytokines and surface phenotype markers within a single cell,including assessment of polyfunctionality.
","tab_image":"/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Intracellular-Cytokine-Staining-tabs-134.jpg","image_alt":"Scientist adjusting settings on a benchtop flow cytometry instrument touchscreen."}]}