Abstract: Aspects of the invention include cell culture systems that include a cell culture plate operatively coupled to a plenum device. The plenum device includes a base component, one or more wall components configured to define a bounded volume, and one or more strain platens that are configured to support the cell culture plate when the cell culture plate is operatively coupled to the plenum device. In some instances, the plenum device includes a pressure modulator configured to provide a substantially uniform pressure in the bounded volume upon application of an external pressure source via an internal side opening in a wall component. Aspects of the invention further include system components and kits thereof, as well as methods of using the systems, e.g., in cell culture applications, which may include, e.g., candidate agent screening applications.