The Neutralizing Antibodies (NAbs) detection methods based on cells are complex, time-consuming, and require at least a Biosafety Level-2 (BSL-2) laboratory. Replacing cell-based neutralization assays with a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) remains to be explored. sVNTs do not require the use of live virus or pseudovirus. The detection can be completed in a short period of time under ordinary research laboratory conditions. A distinct disadvantage is that sVNTs can only detect designated antibodies. The sensitivity and specificity of sVNTs are lower than cell-based neutralization assays. Because of these disadvantages, sVNTs are currently used as supplementary tests for cell-based neutralization assays.29
29. Lu Y, Wang J, Li Q: Advances in Neutralization Assays for SARS-CoV-2, Scandinavian J Immunology, June 16, 2021, e13088 doi:10.11111/sji.13088.
