B-cell ELISpot assay to analyze human memory B cell and plasmablast responses specific to SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain

Abstract

B-cell ELISpot is an extremely sensitive assay based on the secretion of antibodies by B cells that requires the differentiation of B cells into antibody-secreting cells. Here, we describe the procedure to analyze both plasmablast (PB) and memory B cell (MBC) responses specific to SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the context of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. We detail steps for MBC stimulation, MBC and PB plating, detection, and counting of total IgG and RBD-specific spots. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Tay et al. (2022).1.