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Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Domain Antibody using a HiBiT-Based Bioreporter
Published on: August 12, 2021
Light and corona: guided-wave readout for coronavirus spike protein-host-receptor binding
Abstract:
We show that waveguide sensors can enable a quantitative characterization of coronavirus spike glycoprotein-host-receptor binding-the process whereby coronaviruses enter human cells, causing disease. We demonstrate that such sensors can help quantify and eventually understand kinetic and thermodynamic properties of viruses that control their affinity to targeted cells, which is known to significantly vary in the course of virus evolution, e.g., from SARS-CoV to SARS-CoV-2, making the development of virus-specific drugs and vaccine difficult. With the binding rate constants and thermodynamic parameters as suggested by the latest SARS-CoV-2 research, optical sensors of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-receptor binding may be within sight.
Insights
Waveguide sensors can quantify coronavirus spike protein-host interactions, aiding in understanding viral evolution and developing targeted therapies. This technology may soon enable optical sensing of SARS-CoV-2 binding. Keywords: waveguide sensors, coronavirus, spike protein, SARS-CoV-2, viral evolution, targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Infectious Disease Research
Background:
- Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, enter human cells via spike glycoprotein-host receptor binding.
- Understanding the kinetics and thermodynamics of this binding is crucial for developing effective antiviral drugs and vaccines.
- Viral evolution leads to significant variations in binding affinity, complicating therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the utility of waveguide sensors for quantitative characterization of coronavirus spike glycoprotein-host receptor binding.
- To explore the potential of these sensors in understanding viral evolution and host cell interactions.
- To assess the feasibility of developing optical sensors for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-receptor binding.
Main Methods:
- Utilized waveguide sensors for quantitative analysis of molecular interactions.
- Applied principles of biophysics to characterize binding kinetics and thermodynamics.
- Leveraged existing research on SARS-CoV-2 binding parameters.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated that waveguide sensors enable quantitative characterization of coronavirus spike glycoprotein-host receptor binding.
- Showcased the potential of sensors to quantify viral affinity to host cells.
- Identified that optical sensors for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-receptor binding are potentially achievable.
Conclusions:
- Waveguide sensors offer a promising platform for detailed analysis of virus-host interactions.
- Quantitative insights into binding properties can advance the understanding of viral evolution and pathogenesis.
- The development of advanced optical sensors for real-time monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 binding is a tangible future prospect.
