The Virus-Like Particles Capture Assay: A Method to Isolate Antigen-Displaying VLPs from a Sample Using Neutralizing Antibody-Conjugated Magnetic Beads
In this video, we demonstrate an immunoprecipitation assay, called the VLP capture assay, to isolate antigen-displaying virus-like particles, or VLPs, from a sample. The antigen binds with specific antibodies bound to magnetic beads, forming an immobilized antigen-antibody complex that is later separated and stored for further analysis.
Protocol
1. Sample preparation Seed the VLP producer suspension cell lines derived from 293-F cells expressing HIV structural genes gag alone or in concert with env at a low cell density of 0.5 x 106 cells per mL in 293-F Expression Medium. Let them expand for 3-4 days at 37 °C and 8% CO2 in a shaker incubator rotation with an orbit of 5 cm and 135 rounds per minute (rpm). Pellet the producer cells by centrifugation at 100 x …
Representative Results
Figure 1: Schematic illustration of key steps of the VLP capture assay using cell-free supernatants. (1) The VLP capture assay starts with the binding of the HIV-1 bNAbs to the protein G-coupled magnetic beads. Meanwhile, the VLP solution with a defined p55 concentration is prepared. The cell-free culture supernatant consists of a mixture of p55 Gag VLPs, host cell proteins,…
The Virus-Like Particles Capture Assay: A Method to Isolate Antigen-Displaying VLPs from a Sample Using Neutralizing Antibody-Conjugated Magnetic Beads. J. Vis. Exp. (Pending Publication), e21155, doi: (2023).