Multiplex
Immunofluorescence
Single-cell and spatial biology from a single tissue section — many biomarkers, fully quantified, in native context.
Our quantitative multiplex immunofluorescence service visualizes multiple protein targets at once, phenotypes every cell, and maps how populations interact across the tissue microenvironment — pairing advanced multispectral imaging with expert pathology review.
Many Biomarkers, One Section
Multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) detects several protein biomarkers simultaneously within a single tissue section, revealing not only which markers are present but exactly where each cell sits and how it relates to its neighbors. Where conventional single-marker staining consumes tissue one target at a time, mIF preserves the specimen and delivers a far richer, spatially resolved picture.
At CNC Path Lab, we combine expertly optimized multiplex panels with high-resolution multispectral imaging and single-cell analysis to turn one stained section into quantitative, defensible data. Every result is reviewed by board-certified pathologists to keep interpretation anchored to tissue morphology.
- Detect multiple protein targets at once without exhausting precious tissue.
- Phenotype every cell using per-cell, multi-marker measurements.
- Map spatial relationships between tumor, immune, and stromal populations.
- Quantify immune infiltration to classify the tumor microenvironment.
- Pair algorithmic analysis with expert pathologist review.
Advanced Multiplex Immunofluorescence (mIF) Capabilities
Comprehensive spatial and cellular insight from tissue and liquid biopsy samples — high-plex, quantitative, and single-cell resolved.
CNC Path Lab provides advanced Multiplex Immunofluorescence (mIF) solutions designed to deliver comprehensive spatial and cellular insights from tissue and liquid biopsy samples. Our mIF workflow can simultaneously detect and visualize up to eight biomarkers within a single tissue section and supports high-dimensional whole-slide phenotyping using panels of 60+ biomarkers.
By preserving tissue architecture while analyzing multiple biomarkers in parallel, our platform generates detailed spatial information about the tumor microenvironment and tissue organization. It enables visualization of protein expression and localization at the single-cell level, providing valuable insights into pharmacodynamic (PD) responses, mechanisms of action, immune interactions, and disease progression.
CNC Path Lab offers high-throughput, quantitative multiplex immunofluorescence for a wide range of specimen types, including fresh tissue, FFPE (archival) tissue, and cells isolated from liquid biopsies, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) enriched using ApoStream® technology.
To maximize data quality and biological interpretation, we integrate AI-powered image analysis using industry-leading platforms such as inForm® and HALO®. These advanced tools enable accurate visualization, quantification, and phenotyping of both abundant and rare cell populations, while providing precise analysis of subcellular protein localization, including nuclear and cytoplasmic expression, at single-cell resolution.
To meet diverse research and clinical requirements, CNC Path Lab also offers tiered assay qualification and validation services, with support for workflows that comply with CLIA-regulated laboratory standards when required.
Target the Markers That Matter to Your Trial
From established immuno-oncology panels to fully custom assays, our multiplex menu is built around the biomarkers that drive your study. Each panel is optimized and validated for balanced signal, so every marker performs reliably alongside the others.
Immuno-Oncology Panels
Core targets such as CD3, CD8, CD68, FoxP3, PD-1, PD-L1, and pan-cytokeratin to profile the immune contexture of tumors.
Tumor & Epithelial Markers
Lineage and proliferation markers including pan-CK, Ki-67, and tissue-specific antigens to delineate malignant compartments.
Immune Cell Lineage
T-cell, B-cell, macrophage, and NK-cell markers to resolve the composition of the immune infiltrate in fine detail.
Custom Assay Development
Fit-for-purpose panels designed, optimized, and validated around the specific biology and endpoints of your program.
Multispectral Imaging,
Single-Cell Analysis
Dense marker panels demand imaging that can tell closely overlapping fluorophores apart. Our multispectral platforms scan whole slides across every channel, then unmix signal from autofluorescence to keep each marker clean and quantifiable.
Validated image-analysis software segments every cell, assigns it to a phenotype, and measures the spatial relationships between populations — delivering objective, reproducible data across cohorts of any size.
Multispectral Whole-Slide Imaging
Automated multispectral scanners capture entire sections across many fluorescence channels for fully digital review.
Spectral Unmixing
Advanced unmixing cleanly separates overlapping fluorophores and tissue autofluorescence to enable dense marker panels without cross-talk.
Automated Multiplex Staining
Validated, tyramide-based staining platforms deliver balanced, reproducible signal across every marker and every slide.
From Stained Section to Spatial Data
Multiplex analysis captures not just whether a biomarker is present, but how much, on which cells, and in relation to which neighbors — the spatial context that increasingly defines response to therapy.
- Measure per-cell marker intensity and positivity across the full antibody panel.
- Phenotype cells into tumor, immune, and stromal subpopulations with single-cell precision.
- Quantify immune-cell density, penetration, and infiltration relative to tumor regions.
- Perform nearest-neighbor and proximity analysis to reveal cell-to-cell interactions.
- Classify tumors as immune-inflamed, immune-excluded, or immune-desert phenotypes.
- Preserve tissue architecture so every readout stays anchored to morphology.
AI-Assisted Analysis
Machine-learning models accelerate cell segmentation, tissue classification, and phenotyping under expert supervision.
Cell Phenotyping
Objective assignment of every cell to a defined population based on multi-marker signal, not manual estimation.
Spatial Analytics
Neighborhood, proximity, and infiltration metrics reveal how populations organize within the microenvironment.
Pathologist Oversight
Board-certified pathologists review and validate every analysis to ensure accurate, defensible conclusions.
Applications Across Research & Precision Medicine
Spatially resolved, single-cell insight supports discovery and translational goals across a wide range of therapeutic areas.
Immuno-Oncology
Map immune infiltration and checkpoint expression to understand response and resistance within the tumor microenvironment.
Oncology Research
Characterize tumor heterogeneity and biomarker co-expression directly within intact tissue context.
Autoimmune & Inflammation
Visualize inflammatory infiltrates and cellular remodeling in conditions such as psoriasis, lupus, and dermatitis.
Translational Research
Bridge molecular findings and tissue pathology to strengthen study design and biomarker strategy.
Precision Medicine
Support patient stratification and companion biomarker development with spatially resolved evidence.
Pharmacodynamics
Demonstrate target engagement and mechanism of action with tissue-level, quantitative readouts.
Biomarker Discovery
Localize and validate candidate biomarkers with single-cell, spatially anchored quantification.
Neuroscience
Resolve marker expression across neural structures and cell populations in intact tissue.
A Guided Multiplex IF Workflow
From sample accessioning to secure delivery, every step is tracked and quality-controlled.
Sample Accessioning
FFPE blocks, tissue microarrays, and slides are logged, inspected, and tracked under controlled conditions on receipt.
Sectioning & Preparation
Tissue is sectioned to precise thickness and mounted, ready for antigen retrieval and multiplex staining.
Multiplex Staining
Sequential, tyramide-based labeling builds a balanced multi-marker panel on a single section.
Multispectral Imaging
Whole slides are scanned across every fluorescence channel and spectrally unmixed into clean signal.
Image Quality Control
Each scan is checked for focus, staining balance, and completeness before analysis begins.
Cell Segmentation & Phenotyping
Cells are segmented and assigned to populations using per-cell, multi-marker measurements.
Spatial Analysis
Density, proximity, and infiltration metrics quantify how populations interact across the tissue.
Reporting & Delivery
Images, quantitative datasets, and pathologist-reviewed interpretation are delivered through secure channels.
Why Choose CNC Path Lab
A trusted partner for multiplex immunofluorescence projects of every scale.
Deep Multiplex Expertise
Scientists and board-certified pathologists with extensive experience designing and running high-plex mIF assays.
Validated Imaging Platforms
Multispectral scanners and staining systems validated for accuracy and reproducibility across large cohorts.
Quantitative Spatial Analysis
Objective single-cell phenotyping and spatial analytics with expert oversight for consistent, defensible results.
Fit-for-Purpose Assays
Custom panels developed and qualified against the biology and endpoints that matter to your program.
Rigorous Quality Standards
Standardized protocols and multi-stage checkpoints safeguard data integrity from receipt to report.
Secure Data Management
Confidential handling of tissue, images, and results across storage, transfer, and delivery.
From Sample to Scientific Insight
Partner with a world-class precision diagnostics team
From biomarker discovery to AI-powered digital pathology, CNC Path Lab delivers rigorous, translational science that moves your program forward.
Life science innovators
come to CNC Path Lab
Ready to accelerate your clinical program? Our experts are here to help you design and execute the perfect laboratory strategy. Are you ready?