iGIST—A Kinetic Bioassay for Pertussis Toxin Based on Its Effect on Inhibitory GPCR Signaling

Abstract

end-point technique to detect PTX, the cluster formation assay (CFA) in Chinese hamster ovary cells. iGIST also detects PTX in complex samples, i.e., a commercial PTX-toxoid-containing pertussis vaccine that was spiked with an active PTX. iGIST has an objective digital readout and is observer independent, offering prospects for automation. iGIST emerges as a promising animal-free alternative to detect PTX activity in the development and manufacturing of pertussis vaccines. iGIST is also expected to facilitate basic PTX research, including identification and characterization of novel compounds interfering with PTX.