May 21, 2020—Aalto Bio Reagents announced the availability of its range of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) proteins for diagnostic test manufacturers, vaccine developers, and researchers.
“Among all structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2, the S protein is the main antigenic component that is responsible for inducing host immune responses and neutralizing antibodies,” the company explained in a statement. “This makes it the principal focus of therapeutic and vaccine design for COVID-19.”
The S protein of SARS-CoV-2 is located on the surface of the viral particles and comprises two functional units, S1 and S2. The N-terminal S1 subunit is responsible for virus-receptor binding and the C-terminal S2 subunit mediates virus–cell membrane fusion. When used solely or in combination with the company’s insect-derived nucleocapsid protein (N), the S1-S2 chimeric glycoprotein has demonstrated excellent reactivity in ELISA for detection of IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.