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🦠microbiology review

Neutralization assays

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Neutralization assays are laboratory techniques used to measure the ability of antibodies to neutralize pathogens or their toxins. These assays determine the effectiveness of immune responses against specific antigens by observing inhibition of pathogen activity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Neutralization assays are crucial for evaluating vaccine efficacy.
  2. They can be performed using cell cultures or animal models to test antibody functionality.
  3. The reduction in pathogen infectivity or toxin activity is quantified as a measure of neutralization.
  4. Common methods include plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT) and microneutralization assays.
  5. Results from these assays help in understanding immune protection levels and guiding immunotherapy development.

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