An Optimized Method for the Production Using PEI, Titration and Neutralization of SARS-CoV Spike Luciferase Pseudotypes

The protocol outlined represents a cost-effective, rapid and reliable method for the generation of high-titre viral pseudotype particles with the wild-type SARS-CoV spike protein on a lentiviral vector core using the widely available transfection reagent PEI. This protocol is optimized for transfection in 6-well plates; however it can be readily scaled to different production volumes according to application. This protocol has multiple benefits including the use of readily available reagents, consistent, high pseudotype virus production Relative Luminescence Units (RLU) titres and rapid generation of novel coronavirus pseudotypes for research into strain variation, tropism and immunogenicity/sero-prevalence.