Incorporation of the Horseradish Peroxidase Gene in a Viral Genome Provides a Rapid and Cost-effective in vitro Method to Determine the Antiviral Potential of Antibodies or Drugs

BACKGROUND

In-vitro virus neutralization assays are an important step in determining potential in-vivo efficacy of vaccines or (synthetic) anti-viral antibodies. Most recent micro-neutralization assays are based on luciferase or fluorescence read-outs. Viruses of interest are modified by inserting genes encoding luciferase or fluorescent proteins. Following incubation of these modified viruses with antibodies of interest, virus-antibody complexes are then incubated on cells, and the success of neutralization is determined by the level of luminescence or fluorescence. Such assays are sensitive and successful, but they require expensive specialized equipment able to read luminescence or fluorescence. In case of luminescence, substrates are required which are expensive and have very limited shelf-life. This creates a high bar of entry for institutions and researchers to clear in order to research these life-saving technologies.

SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY

In an effort to reduce cost, we designed an assay which does not rely on luminescence or fluorescence, uses inexpensive substrates, and can be read in a basic ELISA plate reader. Reducing cost of reagents and cost of purchase and maintenance of specialized equipment, puts this virus-neutralization method within economic reach of more institutions, including more remote locations. In addition, the method is technically applicable to most viruses.

POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION

• Novel vaccine development
• Anti-viral antibody research

MAIN ADVANTAGES

• Reduces costs relative to luciferase or fluorescence approaches
• Uses only a basic ELISA plate reader
• Increases number of institutions able to research anti-viral antibodies or vaccines

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

• Working model