Cell-based assay for detection of antibodies in a sample

Abstract

Methods of determining whether a sample includes an antibody that binds to a coronaviral antigen are provided. Aspects of the methods may include combining the sample, a mammalian cell displaying on a surface thereof an antigenic determinant of the coronaviral antigen that is specifically bound by the antibody, and a labeled secondary binding member that binds to the antibody to produce an assay composition; and flow cytometrically assaying the assay composition for the presence of a signal from the labeled secondary binding member to determine whether the sample includes the antibody. Also provided are methods of assessing a subject for an immune response to a coronaviral infection and methods of producing a mammalian cell displaying on a surface thereof an antigenic determinant of a coronaviral antigen. Also provided are systems, expression vectors, mammalian cells, and kits for practicing the subject methods.

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