1
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Eyssen LEA, Ramadurai S, Abdelkarim S, Buckle I, Cornish K, Lin H, Jones A, Stephens GJ, Owens RJ. From Llama to Nanobody: A Streamlined Workflow for the Generation of Functionalised VHHs. Bio Protoc 2024; 14:e4962. [PMID: 38841291 PMCID: PMC10958182 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanobodies are recombinant antigen-specific single domain antibodies (VHHs) derived from the heavy chain-only subset of camelid immunoglobulins. Their small molecular size, facile expression, high affinity, and stability have combined to make them unique targeting reagents with numerous applications in the biomedical sciences. From our work in producing nanobodies to over sixty different proteins, we present a standardised workflow for nanobody discovery from llama immunisation, library building, panning, and small-scale expression for prioritisation of binding clones. In addition, we introduce our suites of mammalian and bacterial vectors, which can be used to functionalise selected nanobodies for various applications such as in imaging and purification. Key features • Standardise the process of building nanobody libraries and finding nanobody binders so that it can be repeated in any lab with reasonable equipment. • Introduce two suites of vectors to functionalise nanobodies for production in either bacterial or mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E-A Eyssen
- Structural Biology, Rosalind Franklin Institute,
Didcot, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Siva Ramadurai
- Structural Biology, Rosalind Franklin Institute,
Didcot, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Sahar Abdelkarim
- Structural Biology, Rosalind Franklin Institute,
Didcot, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Imogen Buckle
- Structural Biology, Rosalind Franklin Institute,
Didcot, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Katy Cornish
- Structural Biology, Rosalind Franklin Institute,
Didcot, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Hong Lin
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading,
RG6 6UB, UK
| | - A.K. Jones
- Centre for Dairy Research, University of Reading,
Reading, RG2 9HY, UK
| | | | - Raymond J. Owens
- Structural Biology, Rosalind Franklin Institute,
Didcot, OX11 0QX, UK
- Division of Structural Biology, Nuffield Department
of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
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2
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Park KS, Park TI, Lee JE, Hwang SY, Choi A, Pack SP. Aptamers and Nanobodies as New Bioprobes for SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic and Therapeutic System Applications. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:146. [PMID: 38534253 DOI: 10.3390/bios14030146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The global challenges posed by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic have underscored the critical importance of innovative and efficient control systems for addressing future pandemics. The most effective way to control the pandemic is to rapidly suppress the spread of the virus through early detection using a rapid, accurate, and easy-to-use diagnostic platform. In biosensors that use bioprobes, the binding affinity of molecular recognition elements (MREs) is the primary factor determining the dynamic range of the sensing platform. Furthermore, the sensitivity relies mainly on bioprobe quality with sufficient functionality. This comprehensive review investigates aptamers and nanobodies recently developed as advanced MREs for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic and therapeutic applications. These bioprobes might be integrated into organic bioelectronic materials and devices, with promising enhanced sensitivity and specificity. This review offers valuable insights into advancing biosensing technologies for infectious disease diagnosis and treatment using aptamers and nanobodies as new bioprobes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Sung Park
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-In Park
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Eon Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Yeong Hwang
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Anna Choi
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Pil Pack
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
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3
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Liu J, Pang S, Wang M, Yu H, Ma P, Dong T, Zheng Z, Jiao Y, Zhang Y, Liu A. An ultrasensitive ELISA to assay femtomolar level SARS-CoV-2 antigen based on specific peptide and tyramine signal amplification. SENSORS AND ACTUATORS. B, CHEMICAL 2023; 387:133746. [PMID: 37020533 PMCID: PMC10050199 DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2023.133746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 spreading rapidly has aroused catastrophic public healthcare issues and economy crisis worldwide. It plays predominant role to rapidly and accurately diagnose the virus for effective prevention and treatment. As an abundant transmembrane protein, spike protein (SP) is one of the most valuable antigenic biomarkers for diagnosis of COVID-19. Herein a phage expression of WNLDLSQWLPPM peptide specific to SARS-CoV-2 SP was screened. Molecular docking revealed that the isolated peptide binds to major antigenic epitope locating at S2 subunit with hydrogen bonding. Taking the specific peptide as antigen sensing probe and tyramine signal amplification (TSA), an ultrasensitive "peptide-antigen-antibody" ELISA (p-ELISA) was explored, by which the limit of detection (LOD) was 14 fM and 2.8 fM SARS-CoV-2 SP antigen for first TSA and secondary TSA, respectively. Compared with the LOD by the p-ELISA by direct mode, the sensitivity with 2nd TSA enhanced 100 times. Further, the proposed p-ELISA method can detect SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses down to 10 and 3 TCID50/mL spiked in healthy nasal swab sample with 1st TSA and 2nd TSA, separately. Thus, the proposed p-ELISA method with TSA is expected to be a promising ultrasensitive tool for rapidly detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigen to help control the infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchong Liu
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, and College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Shuang Pang
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, and College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Mingyang Wang
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, and College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Haipeng Yu
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, and College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Pengxin Ma
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, and College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Tao Dong
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, and College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Zongmei Zheng
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, and College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yiming Jiao
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, and College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yaru Zhang
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, and College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Aihua Liu
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, and College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
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4
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Feng X, Wang H. Emerging Landscape of Nanobodies and Their Neutralizing Applications against SARS-CoV-2 Virus. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:925-942. [PMID: 37470012 PMCID: PMC10275483 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly altered people's way of life. Despite widespread knowledge of vaccination, mask use, and avoidance of close contact, COVID-19 is still spreading around the world. Numerous research teams are examining the SARS-CoV-2 infection process to discover strategies to identify, prevent, and treat COVID-19 to limit the spread of this chronic coronavirus illness and restore lives to normalcy. Nanobodies have advantages over polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies (Ab) and Ab fragments, including reduced size, high stability, simplicity in manufacture, compatibility with genetic engineering methods, and lack of solubility and aggregation issues. Recent studies have shown that nanobodies that target the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain and disrupt ACE2 interactions are helpful in the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected animal models, despite the lack of evidence in human patients. The creation and evaluation of nanobodies, as well as their diagnostic and therapeutic applications against COVID-19, are discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Feng
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, College
of Medicine and Health Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Hu Wang
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, College
of Medicine and Health Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
- Institute
of Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore 21215, United States
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5
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Segovia-de los Santos P, Padula-Roca C, Simon X, Echaides C, Lassabe G, Gonzalez-Sapienza G. A highly sensitive nanobody-based immunoassay detecting SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein using all-recombinant reagents. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1220477. [PMID: 37497229 PMCID: PMC10367427 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1220477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Antigen tests have been crucial for managing the COVID-19 pandemic by identifying individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. This remains true even after immunity has been widely attained through natural infection and vaccination, since it only provides moderate protection against transmission and is highly permeable to the emergence of new virus variants. For this reason, the widespread availability of diagnostic methods is essential for health systems to manage outbreaks effectively. In this work, we generated nanobodies to the virus nucleocapsid protein (NP) and after an affinity-guided selection identified a nanobody pair that allowed the detection of NP at sub-ng/mL levels in a colorimetric two-site ELISA, demonstrating high diagnostic value with clinical samples. We further modified the assay by using a nanobody-NanoLuc luciferase chimeric tracer, resulting in increased sensitivity (detection limit = 61 pg/mL) and remarkable improvement in diagnostic performance. The luminescent assay was finally evaluated using 115 nasopharyngeal swab samples. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a sensitivity of 78.7% (95% confidence interval: 64.3%-89.3%) and specificity of 100.0% (95% confidence interval: 94.7%-100.0%). The test allows the parallel analysis of a large number of untreated samples, and fulfills our goal of producing a recombinant reagent-based test that can be reproduced at low cost by other laboratories with recombinant expression capabilities, aiding to build diagnostic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Segovia-de los Santos
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Biociencias (DEPBIO), Facultad de Química, Instituto de Higiene, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carolina Padula-Roca
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Biociencias (DEPBIO), Facultad de Química, Instituto de Higiene, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Cesar Echaides
- Parque Lecocq, Intendencia Municipal de Montevideo (IMM), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gabriel Lassabe
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Biociencias (DEPBIO), Facultad de Química, Instituto de Higiene, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gualberto Gonzalez-Sapienza
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Biociencias (DEPBIO), Facultad de Química, Instituto de Higiene, Montevideo, Uruguay
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6
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Naidoo DB, Chuturgoon AA. The Potential of Nanobodies for COVID-19 Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:193-226. [PMID: 36656511 PMCID: PMC9850341 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00634-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Globally, there have been millions of infections and fatalities. Unfortunately, the virus has been persistent and a contributing factor is the emergence of several variants. The urgency to combat COVID-19 led to the identification/development of various diagnosis (polymerase chain reaction and antigen tests) and treatment (repurposed drugs, convalescent plasma, antibodies and vaccines) options. These treatments may treat mild symptoms and decrease the risk of life-threatening disease. Although these options have been fairly beneficial, there are some challenges and limitations, such as cost of tests/drugs, specificity, large treatment dosages, intravenous administration, need for trained personal, lengthy production time, high manufacturing costs, and limited availability. Therefore, the development of more efficient COVID-19 diagnostic and therapeutic options are vital. Nanobodies (Nbs) are novel monomeric antigen-binding fragments derived from camelid antibodies. Advantages of Nbs include low immunogenicity, high specificity, stability and affinity. These characteristics allow for rapid Nb generation, inexpensive large-scale production, effective storage, and transportation, which is essential during pandemics. Additionally, the potential aerosolization and inhalation delivery of Nbs allows for targeted treatment delivery as well as patient self-administration. Therefore, Nbs are a viable option to target SARS-CoV-2 and overcome COVID-19. In this review we discuss (1) COVID-19; (2) SARS-CoV-2; (3) the present conventional COVID-19 diagnostics and therapeutics, including their challenges and limitations; (4) advantages of Nbs; and (5) the numerous Nbs generated against SARS-CoV-2 as well as their diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhaneshree Bestinee Naidoo
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Howard College, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, 4013, South Africa
| | - Anil Amichund Chuturgoon
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Howard College, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, 4013, South Africa.
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7
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Wang W, Hu Y, Li B, Wang H, Shen J. Applications of nanobodies in the prevention, detection, and treatment of the evolving SARS-CoV-2. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115401. [PMID: 36592707 PMCID: PMC9801699 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Global health and economy are deeply influenced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its newly emerging variants. Nanobodies with nanometer-scale size are promising for the detection and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants because they are superior to conventional antibodies in terms of cryptic epitope accessibility, tissue penetration, cost, formatting adaptability, and especially protein stability, which enables their aerosolized specific delivery to lung tissues. This review summarizes the progress in the prevention, detection, and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 using nanobodies, as well as strategies to combat the evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. Generally, highly efficient generation of potent broad-spectrum nanobodies targeting conserved epitopes or further construction of multivalent formats targeting non-overlapping epitopes can promote neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants and suppress immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Wang
- Institute for Medical Biology and Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plants in Wuling Area of China, College of Life Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China,Corresponding author
| | - Yue Hu
- Institute for Medical Biology and Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plants in Wuling Area of China, College of Life Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Bohan Li
- Institute for Medical Biology and Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plants in Wuling Area of China, College of Life Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Huanan Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The 990th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Zhumadian, Henan 463000, PR China
| | - Jinhua Shen
- Institute for Medical Biology and Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plants in Wuling Area of China, College of Life Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
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8
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Hricovíni M, Owens RJ, Bak A, Kozik V, Musiał W, Pierattelli R, Májeková M, Rodríguez Y, Musioł R, Slodek A, Štarha P, Piętak K, Słota D, Florkiewicz W, Sobczak-Kupiec A, Jampílek J. Chemistry towards Biology-Instruct: Snapshot. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:14815. [PMID: 36499140 PMCID: PMC9739621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The knowledge of interactions between different molecules is undoubtedly the driving force of all contemporary biomedical and biological sciences. Chemical biology/biological chemistry has become an important multidisciplinary bridge connecting the perspectives of chemistry and biology to the study of small molecules/peptidomimetics and their interactions in biological systems. Advances in structural biology research, in particular linking atomic structure to molecular properties and cellular context, are essential for the sophisticated design of new medicines that exhibit a high degree of druggability and very importantly, druglikeness. The authors of this contribution are outstanding scientists in the field who provided a brief overview of their work, which is arranged from in silico investigation through the characterization of interactions of compounds with biomolecules to bioactive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloš Hricovíni
- Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 38 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Raymond J. Owens
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science Campus, UK, University of Oxford, Oxford OX11 0QS, UK
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Andrzej Bak
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia, Szkolna 9, 40 007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Violetta Kozik
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia, Szkolna 9, 40 007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Witold Musiał
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Biophysics, Pharmaceutical Faculty, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50 556 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Roberta Pierattelli
- Magnetic Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Magdaléna Májeková
- Center of Experimental Medicine SAS and Department of Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Yoel Rodríguez
- Department of Natural Sciences, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, City University of New York, 500 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Robert Musioł
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia, Szkolna 9, 40 007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Aneta Slodek
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia, Szkolna 9, 40 007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Pavel Štarha
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, 17. listopadu 1192/12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Karina Piętak
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, Cracow University of Technology, 37 Jana Pawła II Av., 31 864 Krakow, Poland
| | - Dagmara Słota
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, Cracow University of Technology, 37 Jana Pawła II Av., 31 864 Krakow, Poland
| | - Wioletta Florkiewicz
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, Cracow University of Technology, 37 Jana Pawła II Av., 31 864 Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Sobczak-Kupiec
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, Cracow University of Technology, 37 Jana Pawła II Av., 31 864 Krakow, Poland
| | - Josef Jampílek
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
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9
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Shola David M, Kanayeva D. Enzyme linked oligonucleotide assay for the sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1017542. [PMID: 36250054 PMCID: PMC9559407 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1017542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The exponential spread of COVID-19 has prompted the need to develop a simple and sensitive diagnostic tool. Aptamer-based detection assays like ELONA are promising since they are inexpensive and sensitive. Aptamers have advantages over antibodies in wide modification, small size, in vitro selection, and stability under stringent conditions, which aid in scalable and reliable detection. In this work, we used aptamers against SARS-CoV-2 RBD S protein to design a simple and sensitive ELONA detection tool. Screening CoV2-RBD-1C and CoV2-RBD-4C aptamers and optimizing assay conditions led to the development of a direct ELONA that can detect SARS-CoV-2 RBD S glycoprotein in buffer solution and 0.1 % human nasal fluid with a detection limit of 2.16 ng/mL and 1.02 ng/mL, respectively. We detected inactivated Alpha, Wuhan, and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2 with the detection limit of 3.73, 5.72, and 6.02 TCID50/mL, respectively. Using the two aptamers as capture and reporter elements, we designed a more sensitive sandwich assay to identify the three SARS-CoV-2 variants employed in this research. As predicted, a lower detection limit was obtained. Sandwich assay LOD was 2.31 TCID50/mL for Alpha, 1.15 TCID50/mL for Wuhan, and 2.96 TCID50/mL for Delta. The sensitivity of sandwich ELONA was validated using Alpha and Wuhan variants spiked in 0.1% human nasal fluid sample condition and were detected in 1.41 and 1.79 TCID50/mL LOD, respectively. SEM was used to visualize the presence of viral particles in the Delta variant sample. The effective detection of SARS-CoV-2 in this study confirms the potential of our aptamer-based technique as a screening tool.
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10
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Liu J, Ma P, Yu H, Wang M, Yin P, Pang S, Jiao Y, Dong T, Liu A. Discovery of a Phage Peptide Specifically Binding to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 Protein for the Sensitive Phage-Based Enzyme-Linked Chemiluminescence Immunoassay of the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen. Anal Chem 2022; 94:11591-11599. [PMID: 35948070 PMCID: PMC9380820 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global crisis with devastating effects on public healthcare and the economy. Sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 is the key to diagnose and control its spread. The spike (S) protein is an abundant viral transmembrane protein and a suitable target protein for the selective recognition of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we report that with bovine serum albumin prescreening, a specific phage peptide targeting SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein was biopanned with the pIII phage display library. The identified phage #2 expressing the peptide (amino acid sequence: NFWISPKLAFAL) shows high affinity to the target with a dissociation constant of 3.45 ± 0.58 nM. Furthermore, the identified peptide shows good specificity with a binding site at the N-terminal domain of the S1 subunit through a hydrogen bond network and hydrophobic interaction, supported by molecular docking. Then, a sandwiched phage-based enzyme-linked chemiluminescence immunoassay (ELCLIA) was established by using phage #2 as a bifunctional probe capable of SARS-CoV-2 S1 antigen recognition and signal amplification. After optimizing the conditions, the proposed phage ELCLIA exhibited good sensitivity, and as low as 78 pg/mL SARS-CoV-2 S1 could be detected. This method can be applied to detect as low as 60 transducing units (TU)/mL SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in 50% saliva. Therefore, specific phage peptides have good prospects as powerful biological recognition probes for immunoassay detection and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Haipeng Yu
- Institute for Chemical Biology &
Biosensing, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao
University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Mingyang Wang
- Institute for Chemical Biology &
Biosensing, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao
University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Pengxue Yin
- Institute for Chemical Biology &
Biosensing, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao
University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Shuang Pang
- Institute for Chemical Biology &
Biosensing, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao
University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yiming Jiao
- Institute for Chemical Biology &
Biosensing, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao
University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Tao Dong
- Institute for Chemical Biology &
Biosensing, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao
University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Aihua Liu
- Institute for Chemical Biology &
Biosensing, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao
University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
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11
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Non-Invasive Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen in Saliva versus Nasopharyngeal Swabs Using Nanobodies Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7060102. [PMID: 35736981 PMCID: PMC9227045 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7060102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of sensitive, non-invasive tests for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigens is imperative, and it is still challenging to manage the extent of infection throughout the population. Here, we designed and optimized a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) protocol for SARS-CoV-2 S1 antigen detection in saliva. Both saliva samples and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 220 real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)-confirmed positive and negative cases. S1 protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) nanobodies were efficiently conjugated with 40 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and employed as antigen detection probes in the developed system, while recombinant S1 monoclonal antibodies (S1mAbs) were employed as antigen capture probes. After checkerboard assays and system optimization, the clinical samples were tested. In saliva, the developed ELISA system showed the highest sensitivity (93.3) for samples with cycle threshold (Ct) values ≤ 30; interestingly, high sensitivity (87.5 and 86%) was also achieved for samples with Ct values ≤ 35 and ≤40, respectively, compared with 90, 80 and 88% sensitivity rates for nasopharyngeal swabs with the same categorized Ct values. However, the specificity was 100%, and no cross-reactions were detected with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) or SARS-CoV antigens. These results reveal that our protocol could be established as an efficient and sensitive, non-invasive diagnostic tool for the early detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection using easily collectable saliva samples.
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Portilho AI, Gimenes Lima G, De Gaspari E. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay: An Adaptable Methodology to Study SARS-CoV-2 Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses. J Clin Med 2022; 11:1503. [PMID: 35329828 PMCID: PMC8948777 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay is a versatile technique, which can be used for several applications. It has enormously contributed to the study of infectious diseases. This review highlights how this methodology supported the science conducted in COVID-19 pandemics, allowing scientists to better understand the immune response against SARS-CoV-2. ELISA can be modified to assess the functionality of antibodies, as avidity and neutralization, respectively by the standardization of avidity-ELISA and surrogate-neutralization methods. Cellular immunity can also be studied using this assay. Products secreted by cells, like proteins and cytokines, can be studied by ELISA or its derivative Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assay. ELISA and ELISA-based methods aided the area of immunology against infectious diseases and is still relevant, for example, as a promising approach to study the differences between natural and vaccine-induced immune responses against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Izeli Portilho
- Immunology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Sao Paulo 01246-902, SP, Brazil; (A.I.P.); (G.G.L.)
- Graduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle Gimenes Lima
- Immunology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Sao Paulo 01246-902, SP, Brazil; (A.I.P.); (G.G.L.)
- Graduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth De Gaspari
- Immunology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Sao Paulo 01246-902, SP, Brazil; (A.I.P.); (G.G.L.)
- Graduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
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Outlook of therapeutic and diagnostic competency of nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2: A systematic review. Anal Biochem 2022; 640:114546. [PMID: 34995616 PMCID: PMC8730734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The newly emerged coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) continues to infect humans, and no completely efficient treatment has yet been found. Antibody therapy is one way to control infection caused by COVID-19, but the use of classical antibodies has many disadvantages. Heavy chain antibodies (HCAbs) are single-domain antibodies derived from the Camelidae family. The variable part of these antibodies (Nanobodies or VHH) has interesting properties such as small size, identify criptic epitopes, stability in harsh conditions, good tissue permeability and cost-effective production causing nanobodies have become a good candidate in the treatment and diagnosis of viral infections. METHODS Totally 157 records (up to November 10, 2021), were recognized to be reviewed in this study. 62 studies were removed after first step screening due to their deviation from inclusion criteria. The remaining 95 studies were reviewed in details. After removing articles that were not in the study area, 45 remaining studies met the inclusion criteria and were qualified to be included in the systematic review. RESULTS In this systematic review, the application of nanobodies in the treatment and detection of COVID-19 infection was reviewed. The results of this study showed that extensive and sufficient studies have been performed in the field of production of nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus and the obtained nanobodies have a great potential for use in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus. CONCLUSION According to the obtained results, it was found that nanobodies can be used effectively in the treatment and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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Tang Q, Owens RJ, Naismith JH. Structural Biology of Nanobodies against the Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112214. [PMID: 34835020 PMCID: PMC8625641 DOI: 10.3390/v13112214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanobodies are 130 amino acid single-domain antibodies (VHH) derived from the unique heavy-chain-only subclass of Camelid immunogloblins. Their small molecular size, facile expression, high affinity and stability have combined to make them unique targeting reagents with numerous applications in the biomedical sciences. The first nanobody agent has now entered the clinic as a treatment against a blood disorder. The spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has seen the global scientific endeavour work to accelerate the development of technologies to try to defeat a pandemic that has now killed over four million people. In a remarkably short period of time, multiple studies have reported nanobodies directed against the viral Spike protein. Several agents have been tested in culture and demonstrate potent neutralisation of the virus or pseudovirus. A few agents have completed animal trials with very encouraging results showing their potential for treating infection. Here, we discuss the structural features that guide the nanobody recognition of the receptor binding domain of the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilong Tang
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0FA, UK;
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Raymond J. Owens
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0FA, UK;
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
- Correspondence: (R.J.O.); (J.H.N.)
| | - James H. Naismith
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0FA, UK;
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
- Correspondence: (R.J.O.); (J.H.N.)
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Girt GC, Lakshminarayanan A, Huo J, Dormon J, Norman C, Afrough B, Harding A, James W, Owens RJ, Naismith JH. The use of nanobodies in a sensitive ELISA test for SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1 protein. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:211016. [PMID: 34631127 PMCID: PMC8483265 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigens in the fluid has important uses in biotechnology, and is integral to many point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are a sensitive, well-established method of measuring antigens in solutions. They use one ligand to capture and the other ligand to detect the target analyte. Detection is commonly achieved using colorimetric readout obtained upon the reaction of a substrate with HRP-conjugated secondary ligand. Nanobodies, the VHH domain of camelid antibodies, have expanded the repertoire of molecules used in antigen detection. Nanobodies' high affinity for target antigens, their compact structure, their high stability and ease of production has driven research into their use as diagnostic reagents. Guided by a structural understanding of epitopes on the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, we investigated various combinations of engineered nanobodies in a sandwich ELISA to detect the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. We have identified an optimal combination of nanobodies. These were selectively functionalized to further improve antigen capture, enabling the measurement of sub-picomolar amounts of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein in solution. With this combination, the routine detection limit in samples inactivated by heat and detergent corresponded to less than seven focus-forming units of infectious SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina C. Girt
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
- Protein Production UK, The Rosalind Franklin Institute – Diamond Light Source, The Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Abirami Lakshminarayanan
- Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Headington, Oxford, UK
- Protein Production UK, The Rosalind Franklin Institute – Diamond Light Source, The Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Jiandong Huo
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
- Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Headington, Oxford, UK
- Protein Production UK, The Rosalind Franklin Institute – Diamond Light Source, The Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Joshua Dormon
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Chelsea Norman
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Babak Afrough
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - Adam Harding
- James and Lillian Martin Centre, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - William James
- James and Lillian Martin Centre, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Raymond J. Owens
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
- Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Headington, Oxford, UK
- Protein Production UK, The Rosalind Franklin Institute – Diamond Light Source, The Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - James H. Naismith
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
- Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Headington, Oxford, UK
- Protein Production UK, The Rosalind Franklin Institute – Diamond Light Source, The Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
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