A Multiparametric and High-Throughput Platform for Host-Virus Binding Screens

Speed is key during infectious disease outbreaks. It is essential, for example, to identify critical host binding factors to pathogens as fast as possible. The complexity of host plasma membrane is often a limiting factor hindering fast and accurate determination of host binding factors as well as high-throughput screening for neutralizing antimicrobial drug targets. Here, we describe a multiparametric and high-throughput platform tackling this bottleneck and enabling fast screens for host binding factors as well as new antiviral drug targets. The sensitivity and robustness of our platform were validated by blocking SARS-CoV-2 particles with nanobodies and IgGs from human serum samples.

Automated summary

Speed is crucial in dealing with infectious disease outbreaks, including quickly identifying host binding factors to pathogens. The complexity of the host plasma membrane often hinders fast and accurate determination of these binding factors and high-throughput screening for antimicrobial drug targets. This study presents a multiparametric and high-throughput platform that overcomes this barrier, allowing for rapid screening of host binding factors and discovery of new antiviral drug targets. The platform's sensitivity and robustness were demonstrated by successfully blocking SARS-CoV-2 particles using nanobodies and IgGs from human serum samples.