Influenza Neuraminidase Inhibitor Susceptibility Assay Kit

Neuraminidase (EC 3.2.1.18) is a tetrameric Ca2+-dependent sialidase enzyme that cleaves α-glycosidic linkages of terminal sialic acid residues from the oligosaccharide chains of glycoproteins. Neuraminidase-family enzymes are present in most lifeforms, from bacteria to humans, and are also encoded by several viral genomes, including influenza viruses. Influenza neuraminidase plays a critical role in replication and transmission of the virus by preventing self-aggregation of replicating progeny viral particles and enabling release of active influenza virions from infected host cells. Neuraminidase inhibitors, which competitively block the enzyme-mediated release of newly synthesized viral particles, are widely used as anti-influenza drugs. Rapid mutation of viral neuraminidase can yield new influenza strains that are more pathogenic and also engender resistance to existing neuraminidase inhibitors. Hence, monitoring of neuraminidase activity and inhibitor susceptibility in influenza field isolates collected worldwide is integral to identifying new pandemic influenza strains and guiding public health strategies to control seasonal influenza epidemics. BioVision’s Influenza Neuraminidase Activity/Inhibitor Susceptibility Assay Kit enables rapid measurement of viral neuraminidase activity, utilizing a fluorogenic substrate that is converted into a stable, highly fluorescent product (Ex/Em = 368/460 nm). The assay allows for high-throughput functional screening of baseline neuraminidase activity and inhibitor susceptibility patterns in influenza virus isolates in order to evaluate the possible emergence of new inhibitor-resistant strains. A straightforward, standardized protocol consistent with the latest CDC and WHO research guidelines ensures reproducible neuraminidase inhibitor IC50 data for influenza antiviral susceptibility surveillance. The assay may also be used for screening of novel neuraminidase inhibitors against known drug-resistant influenza strains. The kit includes sufficient reagents to perform at least 1000 reactions (ten assay plates) in a 96-well plate format