Cell and gene therapy

Digital PCR enables a range of gene therapy applications, including adeno-associated virus vector genome titer, lentiviral vector copy number measurement, and CAR-T cell therapy development and manufacturing. This is critical when developing effective and reproducible cell and gene therapies while ensuring patient safety.

Viral titer measurement

Discover how QIAcuity dPCR can generate the same level of accuracy and precision in viral titer quantification as the traditional ddPCR method at increased speed and overall higher throughput and scalability. Discover a complete workflow from viral vector lysis to quantification of residual DNA to vector genome titration and genome integrity determination with superior accuracy, reproducibility and speed.

Benefits of using nanoplate dPCR for AAV titration

  • Consistent and robust determination of final titer thanks to efficient capsid lysis and residual DNA removal with our specialized kits
  • Reduced errors and easy implementation with one protocol with minimal number of manual steps and only 10 minutes of hands-on time
  • Higher accuracy and flexibility thanks to multiplexing with as many as 10 single target assays with different dye combinations; option to extend to 12-plex capacity with genes of interest (GOI) assays
  • Precise assessment of genome integrity using up to 12 targets simultaneously enabled by our advanced QIAcuity software feature

All of our most valuable cell and gene therapy content in one place

Explore our specialized content hub, which demonstrates how using dPCR in cell and gene therapy applications can provide specific advantages: accuracy, speed and convenience. Find the latest application notes, scientific posters, webinars and videos on how dPCR can help you get advanced therapies to the market faster. Discover the many uses of dPCR in your cell and gene therapy projects, from research to bioprocessing to quality control (QC).

Related publications

Ismael de la Iglesia-San Sebastián I, et al. Digital PCR improves sensitivity and quantification in monitoring CAR-T cells in B cell lymphoma patients. Transplant Cell Ther. 2024;30(3):306.e1-306.e12.

Howard DB, Svarcbahs R, Gore LN, Harvey BK, Richie CT. A rapid method for producing adeno-associated viral vectors suitable for transducing rodent neurons in vitro and in vivo. bioRxiv. 2024.05.06.591977.

Croissant C, et al. A new T-antigen negative HEK293 cell line with improved AAV productivity. Biotechnol Bioeng. 2023;120(7):1953-1960.

Sun C-P, et al. Development of AAV-delivered broadly neutralizing anti-human ACE2 antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Mol Ther. 2023;31(11):3322-3336.

Further resources

Martorana D et al. Analysis of DNA integrity and stability using digital PCR. QIAGEN, 2024.

Appendix: Analysis of DNA integrity and stability using digital PCR. QIAGEN, 2024.

Thorn J et al. Determination of genome titer and integrity of adeno-associated virus (AAV) reference standards using the QIAcuity® Digital PCR System. QIAGEN and PROGEN, 2024.

Bracker J et al. Digital PCR applications for cell and gene therapy: High-quality detection of mycoplasma contamination. QIAGEN, 2024. 

Martorana D et al. Determination of adeno-associated virus (AAV) titers using the QIAcuity® Digital PCR System. QIAGEN, 2023. 

Liu H-W et al. Optimized in-process recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector genome titer protocol using the QIAcuity® Digital PCR System. QIAGEN and Resilience, 2022

Martorana D et al. Quantification and qualification of adeno-associated virus (AAV) using dedicated CGT assays and the QIAcuity Digital PCR System. QIAGEN, 2023.

Carver C et al. A duplex assay for quantification and qualification of adeno-associated virus (AAV) using the QIAcuity® Digital PCR System. QIAGEN, 2021.