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[Preprint]. 2020 Jun 2:2020.05.28.20105692. [Version 1] doi: 10.1101/2020.05.28.20105692

Figure 1. Principle of neutralization PCR assay.

Figure 1.

(A) Viral entry of SARS-CoV-2 is mediated by the binding of the spike protein to the human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Disruption of this interaction forms the basis of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). (B) Neutralization PCR assay reconstructs this interaction using a pair of S1 subunits of the spike protein- and ACE2-DNA conjugates. In the absence of NAbs, S1 and ACE2 engage with strong affinity, thereby positioning the two DNA barcodes in close proximity for subsequent ligation and PCR-amplification. On the other hand, binding of NAbs blocks S1 from ACE2, leaving the two DNA barcodes separated. Since each barcode has only one PCR primer binding site, they cannot be amplified. Therefore, the quantities of NAbs are correlated with the decrease of PCR amplicon formation.