FAIRY Assay Promises Rapid Determination of Virus Infectivity

University of Birmingham researchers have unveiled a new method that could dramatically accelerate the response to future pandemics. They report in Biomacromolecules that Fluorescence Assay for vIRal IntegritY (FAIRY) can swiftly determine whether a virus is infectious or non-infectious.

Led by Samuel Jones, the team has created an assay that addresses a critical gap in current viral detection methods. "On average, every four years a new virus is discovered that has pandemic potential," Dr. Jones explained, highlighting the urgent need for faster, more efficient testing methods.

Unlike traditional cell cultivation techniques that can take weeks, FAIRY utilizes a specialized dye that can ordinarily penetrate viruses through pores in the capsid that surrounds its genetic material. This dye is conjugated to a larger molecule, which prevents it from penetrating the capsid pores. When the dye binds to viral DNA or RNA it provides a fluorescent signal. This innovative approach allows for the quick evaluation of antiviral measures, including disinfectants, without the limitations of cell-based methods.

The team has successfully tested FAIRY on a diverse range of viruses, including herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and various coronaviruses. These tests demonstrated the assay's versatility across both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, as well as DNA and RNA viruses.

One of FAIRY's key advantages is its ability to screen multiple disinfectants and viruses simultaneously in a single microplate assay. This feature could prove invaluable during future pandemics, enabling rapid identification of effective antiviral treatments.

"It could have screened every disinfectant for antiviral activity during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and so deliver a more rapid response during the next pandemic," Dr. Jones noted, emphasizing the potential impact of this technology.