# Optimally fixed F protein on the surface of RSV-infected cells for RSV binding and neutralizing assays

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new cell-based ELISA method to evaluate RSV vaccine effectiveness by measuring antibody responses to different F protein conformations.

## Contribution

A novel cell-based ELISA platform using fixed RSV-infected cells to assess vaccine-induced antibody responses.

## Key findings

- Formaldehyde stabilizes pre-fusion F proteins on RSV-infected cells.
- Methanol stabilizes post-fusion F proteins on RSV-infected cells.
- The platform effectively evaluates binding and neutralizing antibody activities.

## Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) presents a significant global public health challenge, contributing substantially to the disease burden worldwide. As numerous F protein-based vaccine candidates advance into clinical trials, robust evaluation methods are essential. Here, we developed a cell-based ELISA platform to rapidly evaluate serum antibody responses to these vaccines. By treating RSV-infected cells with 4% formaldehyde or 60% methanol, the cell-surface F proteins were stabilized in the pre-fusion (pre-F) or post-fusion (post-F) conformations, respectively. This platform efficiently determines the binding and neutralizing activities of post-immunization serum antibodies, providing an effective method for evaluating the efficacy of RSV vaccine candidates.