Services

Our Services

From basic science to therapeutics, we can help

Our custom-built level 2 and 3 virology labs are located within a secure, fenced science park in the South-East of England, United Kingdom. For here, we combine world-leading expertise with the latest instruments and technologies to deliver virus-focused research services.

Services

How we can help

More Detail

Antiviral Drug Discovery

We have extensive experience in both virus- and host-targeted antiviral discovery.

Virus Detection & Quantification

We can detect infectious virus or viral genomes in a variety of sample types.

Mode-of-action Studies

Building on our in-depth knowledge, we have developed a wide portfolio of optimised assays.

High Content Screening

Using the Opera Phoenix confocal high content imaging system, we are capable of taking on even the most challenging high content screening applications.

Immunogenicity & Antibody Efficacy Assays

Gain access to expertise and facilities to rapidly advance your vaccine development ambitions

Bespoke Services

Combining state-of-the-art facilities with virology and cell biology expertise, we can advance your research.

Our Services

Antiviral Drug Discovery

We have extensive experience in both virus- and host-targeted antiviral discovery, from the pioneering stages of high-throughput screening, to target identification and validation.

Our services include:
○ Single-dose or multi-dose testing of compounds or biomolecules in the cellular system of choice, to provide a fist rapid indication of effectiveness against a range of viruses;
○ EC50 determination, to define and score compound potency, or to compare the activity of new candidates against known drugs;
○ TC50 and selectivity index determination, to understand compound cytotoxicity over a range of concentrations, and identify products with the safest profile in vitro;
○ Combination activity studies, to identify synergistic or antagonistic interactions of multiple compounds;
○ Drug resistance and cross-resistance studies, to assess the likelihood of resistance emergence and characterise the type and number of mutations required for viral escape;
○ Mode-of-action studies, to help defining the molecular target of the compound of interest. Whether your investigational product inhibits a viral or a cellular target, we can help confirm or define the stage of viral replication that it blocks, assess compound reversibility, and determine effectiveness over a range of different viruses or different multiplicities of infection.

In addition, we provide bespoke high-throughput small molecule compounds and siRNA screening services against BSL2 and BSL3 viruses. Assays range from phenotypic assays on the cell system of choice to biochemical and enzymatic assays.

Our Services

Mode-of-action Studies

Building on our in-depth knowledge of virus biology, we have developed a wide portfolio of assays to explore virus life cycle at different stages, and to determine whether compounds, biomolecules, or genes of interest inhibit entry, replication, egress, or spread.

Our assays include:
○ Entry assays, to test the early stages of viral infection. Pseudotyped virus like particles, adhesion, internalisation, and fusion assays and are available for specific viruses;
○ Replication assays, to test amplification of virus genome. Reporter and replicon systems are available for specific viruses;
○ Virus release and spread assays, to test release of new virus particle and determine their ability to infect neighbouring cells at specific time points;
○ Single- and multi-step growth curves, to determine the amount of virus released in an infected sample during one or multiple rounds of viral replication, to provide an indication of viral ability to replicate and spread, respectively.

Our Services

Virus Detection & Quantification 

We provide a wide array of assays to detect infectious virus or viral genome in a variety of samples, to assess the effectiveness of a vaccine or treatment in animal or human specimens, as well as to aid the development of novel diagnostic tests.

Our assays include:
○ Plaque assays or immunofocus assays, to quantify plaque- or foci- forming viruses;
○ Cell death  (TCID50) or fluorescence based quantal assays, to determine the concentration of virus necessary to infect 50% of the cell type of choice;
○ Quantitative real-time PCR, to provide relative or absolute measure of viral genome copy number, independently of virus infectivity;
○ Immunofluorescence staining, to detect viral infection and localisation in the cell system of choice.

 

Our Services

Immunogenicity & Antibody Efficacy Assays

Building on our experience in antiviral innate and adaptive immunity we can test, measure, and compare the neutralising properties of antibodies and serum samples, and detect and quantify cytokines.

 

Our assays include:
○ ELISA to detect both viral antigens and cytokines produced in response to infection or treatment;
○ Plaque reduction neutralisation test (PRNT) and micro-neutralisation assays to test the ability of multiple concentrations of antibodies or sera to block viral infection;
○ Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) assays to determine whether and at what concentration antibodies are able to enhance infectivity in Fc receptor bearing cells.

Our Services

High Content & High-throughput Screening

By taking advantage of the state-of-the-art instruments at the UCL LMCB, we provide bespoke high-throughput and high-content screening services.
Services include:


○ Small molecule compounds and siRNA screening services against BSL2 and BSL3 viruses.
○ High-content phenotypic assays on the cell system of choice
○ Biochemical and enzymatic assays based on luminescence, fluorescence, and absorbance

Our Services

Bespoke Services

While our core services and viruses are likely to meet most needs, we know some projects need something out of the ordinary. Therefore, in addition to our standard assays, we also offer a range of bespoke services, ranging from assay optimization to full project management.

We work closely with pharma, biotechnology, and academic researchers, and we proud ourselves to deliver custom solutions that meet the needs of each project.

Broadly, our bespoke projects include:
○ Assay adaptation or development: We can adapt any of our core assays to fit a non-standard application, cell type, or virus, or develop an assay from scratch. Given our experience working with different viruses and cell system, we can also advise on process optimisation and experimental design.
○ Full project management: We can design with you and execute complex or multi-step projects, including projects that might involve additional subcontracting (e.g., medicinal chemistry, animal work).
○ Technical support and consultancy: We will always be able to add value to a project. Get the benefit of our experience with multiple virus families and molecular and cell biology techniques.

How Can We Help?

Ask How We Can Advance Your Virus Research

Contact Us

Subscribe