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The ELISpot assay is used in vaccine studies for the quantification of antigen-specific memory B cells (BMEM), and can be performed using cryopreserved samples. The effects of cryopreservation on BMEM detection and the consistency of cultured ELISpot assays when performed by different operators or laboratories are unknown. In this study, blood was taken from healthy volunteers, and a cultured ELISpot assay was used to count BMEM specific for 2 routine vaccine antigens (diphtheria and tetanus toxoid). Results were assessed for intra- and inter-operator variation, and the effects of cryopreservation. Cryopreserved samples were shipped to a second laboratory in order to assess inter-laboratory variation. BMEM frequencies were very strongly correlated when comparing fresh and frozen samples processed by the same operator, and were also very strongly correlated when comparing 2 operators in the same laboratory. Results were slightly less consistent when samples were processed in different laboratories although correlation between the 2 measurements was still very strong. Although cell viability was reduced in some cryopreserved samples due to higher temperatures during transportation, BMEM could still be quantified. These results demonstrate the reproducibility of the ELISpot assay across operators and laboratories, and support the use of cryopreserved samples in future BMEM studies.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics

Publication Date

06/2014

Volume

10

Addresses

Oxford Vaccine Group; Department of Paediatrics; University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre; Oxford, UK.