Real time electronic cell sensing systems and applications for cell-based assays

A method for comparing responses to IgE stimulation between cells of different genotypes, the method comprising:

• a) providing an impedance-based system that monitors cell-substrate impedance of cells on a substrate;
• b) introducing cells of two different genotypes to the substrate of the system to form two different genotype cell populations;
• c) adding IgE to the cells of both genotypes;
• d) adding an antigen to the cells of both genotypes;
• e) monitoring cell-substrate impedance of the cells of both gentoypes on the substrate;
• and
• f) comparing the cell-substrate impedances between the cells of different gentotypes.

A method for identifying an antigen or half antigen that can cause an allergic response, the method comprising:

• a) providing an impedance-based system that monitors cell-substrate impedance of cells on a substrate;
• b) introducing cells to the substrate of the system;
• c) adding IgE to the cells;
• d) adding at least one compound suspected of being an antigen or half antigen to the cells;
• e) monitoring cell-substrate impedance of cells on the substrate to obtain cell-substrate impedance data of the cells treated with the antigen or the half antigen;
• and
• f) analyzing the data to identify whether the compound is an antigen or half antigen.