Author Spotlight: Advancing Antiviral Strategies Through Novel Immunocapture and Mass Spectrometry Techniques

Proteomic analysis of envelope virus revealed that host proteins are incorporated in new formed virus, affecting replication, infectivity, and pathogenesis. Our research focuses on profiling surface proteins in viral particles to find key elements in virus-host interaction, leading to new targets for antivirals and vaccines. Immunoelectron microscopy is the only imaging technique allowing the direct visualization of proteins suppressant virus.

However, mass spectrometry immuno capture with magnetic beads and emerging flow biometry are now more commonly used to enable broader proteome profiling and to screen a large number of viral particles. Our method uses color-coded Luminex beads, and dual laser read out for immuno capture. It enables multiplex profiling of host surface proteins on intact virions and screening of antibodies and antiviral drugs on multiple viruses and antigens simultaneously.

Mass spectrometry and affinity proteomics are powerful tools to identify both viral and host proteins on the virion surface. The strategy we describe will lead to a better understanding of the role of host proteins on virus particles, enabling high-throughput profiling of infected samples in various experimental setups.