# Dynamic single-cell analysis instrument to evaluate immune cell function

> **NIH NIH R44** · CELLCHORUS INC. · 2024 · $1,483,544

## Abstract

7. Project Summary/Abstract
Recent decades have been marked by a revolution in single-cell analytical techniques, instruments and
software tools that have markedly improved our understanding of biology. A high-profile example has been the
emergence of single-cell sequencing to move from bulk genomic and transcriptomic analysis to single-cell
resolution that reveals the heterogeneity of individual cells. Similar trends have been observed in protein
analysis, spatial transcriptomics, and other disciplines.
However, there remains a critical unmet need in understanding individual cellular function, movement,
interactions, and other measures of performance. The genesis of cells as living drugs requires the
development of technologies that can characterize the function and performance of massive numbers of cells
at single-cell resolution to support development of new therapies and clinical biomarkers. Unfortunately,
existing technologies are either not scalable, are cell-destructive and so cannot evaluate cells and their
interactions over time, or do not provide single-cell resolution.
CellChorus® evaluates the performance and interactions of thousands of individual cells by applying Time-
lapse Imaging Microscopy in Nanowell Grids (TIMING™) with neural network-based artificial intelligence (AI) to
identify, track, and characterize behaviors and interactions of disease cells together with T-cells and other
effector cells. The platform has been validated technically and commercially in an academic setting and an
early access laboratory, but this model does not scale.
We will develop and rigorously validate a Chronos™ instrument that delivers dynamic single-cell analysis
based on the TIMING platform and applying our existing AI software and algorithms. The Chronos instrument
will allow scientists, researchers, and manufacturing experts to apply dynamic single-cell analysis to catalyze
development and manufacture of novel therapies in infectious diseases, oncology, and other medical sciences.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10835420
- **Project number:** 4R44GM149106-02
- **Recipient organization:** CELLCHORUS INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Laurence J.N. Cooper
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $1,483,544
- **Award type:** 4N
- **Project period:** 2023-05-01 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10835420

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10835420, Dynamic single-cell analysis instrument to evaluate immune cell function (4R44GM149106-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10835420. Licensed CC0.

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