Cryopreservation of virus-infected cells for use in the fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen test

Abstract

Tissue culture [human embryonic lung HEL and laryngeal carcinoma HEp-2] cells infected with varicella-zoster, respiratory syncytial, parainfluenza types 1, 2 and 3 and influenza A/Texas/1/77 and A/USSR/90/77 viruses were exposed to UV light and frozen in the presence of a final concentration of 20% glycerol. These cells were quick thawed at 37.degree. C and compared with freshly prepared, living infected tissue culture cells in assays of fluorescent antibodies to membrane antigens of the infecting agents in serum, nasal wash secretions colostrum and breast milk. Frozen cells performed as efficiently as fresh cells as targets and retained their activity for long periods of time. Cryopreservation combined with photoinactivation of infected target cells allows this useful antibody test to be performed in routine serology laboratories.