title: Multi-site analytical validation of an assay to detect anti-JCV antibodies in human serum and plasma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  JC virus (JCV) infection is a prerequisite for development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). We previously described the development of a novel, two-step enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that detects anti-JCV antibodies in human serum or plasma, and the potential clinical utility of anti-JCV antibody status for PML risk stratification.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To validate the anti-JCV antibody ELISA at multiple clinical laboratories in order to demonstrate the robustness of the method.
  
  
  METHODS
  Analytical validation of the ELISA was performed at four laboratories by evaluation of intra- and inter-assay precision, analytical specificity and sensitivity, matrix interference, robustness, sample and reagent stability.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analytical validation demonstrated that the assay is sensitive, specific, and precise. The assay sensitivity was estimated at 1.7ng/mL using a humanized anti-JCV monoclonal antibody control. The sensitivity to detect JCV infection was estimated to be 97.5%. The specificity of the assay to discriminate JCV-specific antibodies from antibodies directed to BK virus, a related polyomavirus, was also demonstrated. The inter- and intra-assay precision was ≤6.0% and 9.8% for the screening step and 2.6% and 11.3% for the confirmation step. Results obtained for plasma and serum were highly congruent, and assay robustness was demonstrated by the highly concordant results generated by four laboratories testing a common panel of 100 blinded samples.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The novel, two-step ELISA to detect anti-JCV antibodies in human serum and plasma is robust, and assay performance is consistent and reproducible in multiple laboratories, making it suitable to support testing for global clinical studies.
authors: Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States. tatiana.plavina@biogenidec.com
authors: Tatiana
authors: T
authors: Plavina
authors: Melissa
authors: M
authors: Berman
authors: Moses
authors: M
authors: Njenga
authors: Mary
authors: M
authors: Crossman
authors: Michaela
authors: M
authors: Lerner
authors: Leonid
authors: L
authors: Gorelik
authors: Kenneth
authors: K
authors: Simon
authors: Brian
authors: B
authors: Schlain
authors: Meena
authors: M
authors: Subramanyam
mesh_terms: D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007577:JC Virus / Q000276:immunology*; D007968:Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D055550:Protein Stability; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral