A real-time PCR method to rapidly titer adenovirus stocks

Methods Mol Med. 2007:130:185-92. doi: 10.1385/1-59745-166-5:185.

Abstract

A critical step in working with adenovirus (Ad) and its vectors is the accurate, reproducible, sensitive, and rapid measurement of the amount of virus present in a stock. Titration methods fall into one of two categories: determination of either the infectious or the particle (infectious plus noninfectious) titer. Determining the infectious titer of a virus stock by plaque assay has important limitations, including cell line-, researcher-, and laboratory-dependent variation in titer, and the length of time required to perform the assay (2-4 wk). A major drawback of particle titration methods is the lack of consistent correlation between the resultant titer and the infectious titer. To overcome these problems, a rapid, sensitive, and reproducible real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed that detects encapsidated full-length genomes. Importantly, there is a linear correlation between the titer determined by the realtime PCR assay and the infectious titer determined by a plaque assay. This chapter provides step-by-step guidance for preparing viral DNA, conducting the real-time PCR assay, and using the resultant data to calculate a viral titer.

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / classification
  • Adenoviridae / genetics*
  • Cell Line
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Deoxyribonucleases
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Viral Plaque Assay

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Deoxyribonucleases