Abstract
This standard operating procedure describes the process of preparation of a recombinant SARSCoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (NP) fused to glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and the detection of specific antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of covid-19 disease, which has already claimed over 6 million victims (according to WHO as of 20 April 2022).
The method development began at a time when there were no commercial kits available for the detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. The ELISA system that uses recombinant protein fused to N-terminal glutathione S-transferase (GST) as antigens is inexpensive and suitable methods for the analysis of large numbers of samples where cost is an important consideration (Sehr et al. 2002; 2001).
The use of recombinant NPs allows the detection of a specific antibody response after covid-19, as this protein is not included in SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.