Spike (XBB.1.16, Omicron Variant) (SARS-CoV-2) Pseudotyped Lentivirus (Luciferase Reporter)

• Background:

  The pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) . As the first step of the viral replication, the virus attaches to the host cell surface before entering the cell. The viral Spike protein recognizes and attaches to the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor found on the surface of type I and II pneumocytes, endothelial cells, and ciliated bronchial epithelial cells. Drugs targeting the interaction between the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and human ACE2 may offer protection against the viral infection. The Omicron Variant was identified in South Africa in November of 2021. This variant has a large number of mutations that allow the virus to spread easier and quicker than other variants. As of May 2022, Omicron variants were divided into seven distinct sub-lineages: BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5. As of April 2023, additional new sub-lineages (BQ.1, BQ.1.1, BF.7, XBB.1, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16) have been identified.Spike Mutations in XBB.1.16 Omicron Variant:T19I, LPP24-26del, A27S, V83A, G142D, Y144del, H146Q, E180V, Q183E, V213E, G252V, G339H, R346T, L368I, S371F, S373P, S375F, T376A, D405N, R408S, K417N, N440K, V445P, G446S, N460K, S477N, T478R, E484A, F486P, F490S, Q498R, N501Y, Y505H, D614G, H655Y, N679K, P681H, N764K, D796Y, Q954H, N969K

• Description:

  The Spike (XBB.1.16, Omicron Variant) (SARS-CoV-2) Pseudotyped Lentiviruses are replication incompetent, HIV-based lentiviral particles. They were produced with SARS-CoV-2 Spike (Genbank Accession #QHD43416.1 containing all the XBB.1.16 mutations; see below for details) as the envelope glycoprotein instead of the commonly used VSV-G. These pseudovirions contain firefly luciferase driven by a CMV promoter (Figure 1), allowing the spike-mediated cell entry to be measured by luciferase activity. The Spike (XBB.1.16, Omicron Variant) (SARS-CoV-2) pseudoviruses can be used to measure the activity of a neutralizing antibody against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB.1.16 variant.The Spike Omicron XBB.1.16 pseudoviruses have been validated for use with ACE2-HEK293 target cells (which overexpress ACE2; BPS Bioscience #79951) .Figure 1. Schematic of the lenti-vector used to generate the Luciferase Reporter in theSpike (XBB.1.16, Omicron Variant) (SARS-CoV-2) Pseudotyped Lentivirus.

• Applications:

  Screen or titrate neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron XBB.1.16 variant in ACE2-expressing cells.

• Shipping Conditions:

  -80°C

• Storage Conditions:

  Lentiviruses are shipped with dry ice. For long-term storage, it is recommended to store the lentiviruses at -80°C for up to 12 months from date of receipt. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles. Titers can drop significantly with each freeze/thaw cycle.

• Notes:

  BiosafetyNone of the HIV genes (gag, pol, rev) will be expressed in the transduced cells, as they are expressed from packaging plasmids lacking the packing signal and are not present in the lentivirus particle. Although the pseudotyped lentiviruses are replication-incompetent, they require the use of a Biosafety Level 2 facility. BPS Bioscience recommends following all local federal, state, and institutional regulations and using all appropriate safety precautions.Troubleshooting GuideVisitbpsbioscience.com/lentivirus-faqfor detailed troubleshooting instructions. For all further questions, please email[email protected].

• Formulation:

  The lentivirus particles were produced from HEK293T cells. They are supplied in cell culture medium containing 90% DMEM + 10% FBS. Virus particles can be packaged in custom formulations by special request, for an additional fee.