Protocol to evaluate the inflammatory response in human macrophages induced by SARS-CoV-2 spike-pseudotyped VLPs

STAR Protoc. 2023 Mar 17;4(1):102083. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102083. Epub 2023 Jan 17.

Abstract

The excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in COVID-19 patients is deleterious to organs. The contribution of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) to the inflammatory response is essential to understand its pathogenesis and virulence. Here, we present a protocol to produce and characterize HIV- and SARS-CoV-2-based virus-like particles and then evaluate the inflammatory cytokines' protein and mRNA levels produced in human macrophages by S of SARS-CoV-2 original strain and Delta variant. This protocol is applicable in evaluating S from different emerging variants. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Ao et al. (2022).1.

Keywords: Immunology; Microbiology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Cytokines / genetics
  • Humans
  • Macrophages
  • SARS-CoV-2* / genetics

Substances

  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2
  • Cytokines

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants

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