Overview of Technology:
Aims to develop a test that determines if a person contains a neutralizing or non-neutralizing antibody against the SARS-Cov2 virus
SARS-CoV-2 expresses a unique spike protein that interacts with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for invading human respiratory epithelial cells.
Studies have shown that antibody which binds to the specific domain of the spike protein that interacts with ACE2 and can neutralize the virulence of SARS-CoV-2.
From experience during the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, it is interesting to know whether a person has developed immunity from the vaccination or natural infection that will protect against re-infection of SARS-CoV-2, referring to the development of neutralizing antibody. Current assays detecting immunoglobin are not designed to specifically detect development of a neutralizing antibody.
This technology refers to the development of chimeric proteins that aim to differentiate neutralizing antibodies from non-neutralizing antibodies, where the results can be produced in a rapid detection test. The test can produce results in 30mins by untrained individuals in a non-laboratory environment.
Studies have shown that a specific domain of spike protein known as SARS-CoV-2-RBD from SARS-CoV-2 interacts with human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) from host cells which allows entry of the virus into human cells.
The invention generates a chimeric protein in which the receptor binding domain (RPD) of spike protein is fused with green fluorescent protein for the visualization of assay results under a portable UV lamp. It is also fused with another chimeric protein in which extracellular domain of ACE2 is fused with constant regions of mouse immunoglobulin for a different detection of SARS-CoV2 from a non-specific human.
This invention would be extremely beneficial in the commercial space currently during the conclusions of this pandemic and into the future as the constant fight against minimizing the virus remains apparent.
Assist in developing a lateral flow assay kit.