Plaque reduction assay

Definition

A plaque reduction assay is a laboratory method used to quantify the number of virus particles that are neutralized by antibodies. It is commonly used to measure the efficacy of antiviral compounds or the strength of immune responses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plaque reduction assays involve infecting a cell monolayer with a virus and counting the resulting plaques after treatment with antiviral agents or antibodies.
2. The degree of plaque reduction correlates directly with the neutralizing capacity of the antibodies present in the sample.
3. Results are typically expressed as plaque-forming units (PFU) per milliliter or as a percentage reduction in plaques compared to a control.
4. This assay is crucial for evaluating vaccine effectiveness and immune response potency against specific viral infections.
5. It requires precise conditions, including proper cell culture techniques and accurate timing, to ensure reliable results.

Related terms

Neutralization Assay:

A test that measures the ability of antibodies to inhibit virus infectivity.

Plaque-Forming Units (PFU): A measurement representing the number of infectious virus particles capable of forming plaques per unit volume.

Antiviral Compounds: Substances that inhibit the replication or function of viruses.