Protocol for characterizing the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection by a protein of interest in cultured cells

ABSTRACT

Here, we present a protocol to characterize the antiviral ability of a protein of interest to SARS-CoV-2 infection in cultured cells, using MUC1 as an example. We use SARS-CoV-2 ΔN trVLP system, which utilizes transcription and replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles lacking nucleocapsid gene. We describe the optimized procedure to analyze protein interference of viral attachment and entry into cells, and RT-qPCR-based quantification of viral infection. The protocol can be applied to characterize more antiviral candidates and clarify their functioning stage. Graphical Publisher’s note Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.