Statistical approach to estimate vaccinia-specific neutralizing antibody titers using a high-throughput assay.
Because of the bioterrorism threat posed by agents such as variola virus, considerable time, resources, and effort have been devoted to biodefense preparation. One avenue of this research has been the development of rapid, sensitive, high-throughput assays to validate immune responses to poxviruses. Here we describe the adaptation of a beta-galactosidase reporter-based vaccinia virus neutralization assay to large-scale use in a study that included over 1,000 subjects. We also describe the statistical methods involved in analyzing the large quantity of data generated. The assay and its associated methods should prove useful tools in monitoring immune responses to next-generation smallpox vaccines, studying poxvirus immunity, and evaluating therapeutic agents such as vaccinia virus immune globulin.
Kennedy
Richard
R
Mayo Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic, Guggenheim 611C, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Pankratz
V Shane
VS
Swanson
Eric
E
Watson
David
D
Golding
Hana
H
Poland
Gregory A
GA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009500:Neutralization Tests / Q000379:methods*; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine / Q000276:immunology*; D014616:Vaccinia virus / Q000276:immunology*; D055815:Young Adult
D000906:Antibodies; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine