A rapid method for immunotitration of influenza viruses using flow cytometry

Reliable assays for accurate titration of influenza virus in infectious samples are pivotal to both influenza research and vaccine development. A titration assay adopted commonly for this purpose is the plaque assay on Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, despite it being time and labour consuming. A novel assay is described for titration of influenza viruses based on the detection of intracellular viral nucleoprotein (NP) by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). By using a panel of viruses of different type, subtype and origin, it is demonstrated that there is a mathematical correlation between titres measured by immunotitration and by classical plaque assay on MDCK cells. Moreover, the availability of NP antibodies specific for type A or type B influenza virus ensures the specificity of the assay. Based on speed, accuracy and specificity, it is concluded that the FACS-based immunotitration of influenza virus represents a valid and efficient alternative to the classical plaque assay.