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Author Spotlight: A Pseudotype Virus System for Assessing Omicron Subvariants and Neutralizing Antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 Research
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Quantitative and Standardized Pseudovirus Neutralization Assay for COVID-19
Jerilyn R Izac1, Edward J Kwee1, Adolfas Gaigalas1
1Biosystem and Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|March 25, 2024
Summary
A new vesicular stomatitis virus-based assay rapidly quantifies neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. This method, using flow cytometry or live cell imaging, aids in evaluating COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Assay Development
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates accurate measurement of neutralizing antibodies to assess vaccine and therapeutic efficacy.
- Current neutralization assays face challenges in speed, safety, ease of use, and quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, safe, and high-quality neutralization assay for quantifying SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies.
- To validate the assay's performance using multiple detection readouts and international standards.
Main Methods:
- Developed a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based pseudovirus neutralization assay.
- Utilized flow cytometry and live cell imaging for detection and quantification of neutralization.
- Employed the World Health Organization International Standard (NIBSC code 20/136) for standardization.
Main Results:
- The VSV-based assay effectively quantified varying degrees of neutralization in patient serum samples.
- Flow cytometry and live cell imaging produced consistent 50% neutralization titer (NT50) values.
- Standardization using WHO International Standard allowed measurement in International Units/mL.
Conclusions:
- The developed assay provides a reliable and standardized method for measuring neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
- This assay supports the efficacy evaluation and comparison of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics.
- Quantitative and standardized neutralization assays are crucial for global pandemic response efforts.
