| abstract |
Methods and devices for identifying a cell population comprising an effector cell exhibiting an extracellular effect are provided. The method comprises retaining in a plurality of open chambers a plurality of cell populations, each optionally comprising one or more effector cells. The open chambers can each comprise a readout particle population, and the open chambers are present in a first component of a device comprising a first component and optionally a second component. The open chambers have an average aspect ratio of ≥0.6 and the first component forms a reversible seal with the second component. The method further comprises incubating the plurality of cell populations or a subset thereof, and the one or more readout particles, or a subset thereof, within the chambers, assaying the cell populations for the presence of the extracellular effect, wherein the readout particle(s) provides a direct or indirect readout of the extracellular effect, and determining, based on the results of the assaying step, whether one or more cells within one or more cell populations of the plurality exhibits the extracellular effect. |