Controlled expression of ACE2 for SARS-CoV-2 drug screening.

Green fluorescent labeled ACE2 in a BacMam vector for controlled expression in a wide variety of cell types. Measure robust signals 24 hours post transduction on standard fluorescence plate readers and imaging systems. Turn any cell into a “pseudo host” cell.

Pseudo Host Cells

BacMam pseudovirus enters human airway cells and other primary cells that express the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 protein, but not all cells express these host proteins. To make HEK293 and other easily cultured cells into pseudo host cells, we offer red and green fluorescent ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in BacMam expression vectors. Transduce cells with BacMam expressing ACE2 and TMPRSS2, and the following day pseudo host cells are ready for the pseudo SARS-CoV-2 viral entry assay. If the pseudo virus enters the cells, it will produce bright fluorescence in the nucleus, a signal that can be blocked if viral entry is blocked. A significant advantage of creating pseudo host cells is that compounds can be screened using standard cell lines that are compatible with high throughput screening. Most laboratories can be screening for blocking agents within a few days, with a minimum of changes to their work flow or safety regulation requirements.

Materials in the Kit:

• mNeonGreen fluorescent labeled Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) in BacMam

• mNeon Green Fluorescent Protein BacMam

• Sodium Butyrate, 500 mM in H₂O

• Detailed protocol