Potency test to discriminate between differentially over-inactivated rabies vaccines: Agreement between the NIH assay and a G-protein based ELISA

In this study we have generated several non-conform vaccine lots by an excessive inactivation with β-propiolactone (BPL) and assessed the capacity of both tests to detect the corresponding consequences. Excessive BPL inactivation causes G-protein unfolding, altering in turn viral morphology and the continuity of the G-protein layer in the viral particle. Both the NIH and the ELISA tests were able to monitor the consequences of excessive inactivation in a similar manner. Of note, the experimental error of the ELISA test was well below that of the NIH test. These results increase the prospect that the ELISA test could be considered a suitable candidate for the replacement of the NIH test.
Source: Biologicals - Category: Biology Source Type: research