Minimal system for assembly of SARS-CoV-2 virus like particles

Sci Rep. 2020 Dec 14;10(1):21877. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-78656-w.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 virus is the causative agent of COVID-19. Here we demonstrate that non-infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus like particles (VLPs) can be assembled by co-expressing the viral proteins S, M and E in mammalian cells. The assembled SARS-CoV-2 VLPs possess S protein spikes on particle exterior, making them ideal for vaccine development. The particles range in shape from spherical to elongated with a characteristic size of 129 ± 32 nm. We further show that SARS-CoV-2 VLPs dried in ambient conditions can retain their structural integrity upon repeated scans with Atomic Force Microscopy up to a peak force of 1 nN.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / virology*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2 / physiology*
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / metabolism
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / metabolism
  • Virion / metabolism*
  • Virus Assembly*

Substances

  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • Viral Matrix Proteins
  • membrane protein, SARS-CoV-2
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2