Development and characterization of a multimeric recombinant protein based on the spike protein receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 that can neutralize virus infection

BackgroundThe SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has four structural proteins and sixteen non-structural proteins. The S-protein is one of the structural proteins exposed on the surface of the virus and is the main target for producing neutralizing antibodies and vaccines. The S-protein forms a trimer that can bind the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through its receptor binding domain (RBD) for cell entry. MethodsWe stably expressed in a constitutive manner in HEK293 cells a new recombinant protein containing a signal sequence of immunoglobulin to produce an extended C-terminal portion of the RBD followed by a region responsible for the trimerization inducer of the bacteriophage T4, and a sequence of 6 histidines. The protein was produced and released in the culture supernatant of cells and was purified by Ni-agarose column and exclusion chromatography. It was then characterized by SDS-polyacrylamide gel and used as antigen to generate protective antibodies to inhibit ACE2 receptor interaction and virus entry into Vero cells. ResultsThe purified protein displayed a molecular mass of 135 kDa and with a secondary structure like the monomeric RBD. Electrophoresis analysis in SDS-polyacrylamide gel with and without reducing agents, and in the presence of crosslinkers indicated that it forms a multimeric structure composed of trimers and hexamers. The purified protein was able to bind the ACE2 receptor and generated high antibody titers in mice (1:10000), capable of inhibiting the binding of biotin labeled ACE2 to the virus S1 subunit, and to neutralize the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain into cells. ConclusionOur results characterize a new multimeric protein based on S1 subunit to combat COVID-19, as a possible immunogen or antigen for diagnosis.