A Label-Free, Real-Time Impedance-Based Method for High-Throughput Antiviral Screening.

Abstract

Impedance-based technologies provide a robust and objective means to quantify cytopathic effects (CPE) in cell culture monolayers, overcoming the limitations of traditional endpoint or visually subjective assays. Cytolytic viruses typically induce pronounced morphological changes and cell death in infected cultures, making impedance measurements, reflecting changes in cell adhesion, morphology, and viability, a sensitive and dynamic indicator of viral infection and progression. As a result, impedance-based readouts offer a powerful and efficient approach for evaluating the protective effects of antiviral interventions. This study presents a real-time, label-free screening platform that leverages advanced impedance measurement systems to monitor virus-induced CPE continuously. This approach enables rapid, quantitative assessment of antiviral efficacy for both small-molecule drugs and monoclonal antibodies, without additional labeling or staining steps. The protocol details the complete assay workflow, from cell seeding and viral infection to data acquisition and analysis. Furthermore, the system-integrated software, specifically tailored for virology applications, streamlines data processing and interpretation, facilitating the determination of monoclonal antibody neutralizing potency and antiviral compound activity.