Fluorescence-based biosensors for West Nile virus detection

This study develops and validates fluorescence-based biosensors that detect West Nile virus (WNV) infection through the activity of the viral protease. The biosensors incorporate WNV-specific protease cleavage sites and enable highly specific detection of both WNV lineages 1 and 2, with limited but measurable sensitivity to other flaviviruses. The system shows no cross-reactivity with unrelated viruses. These biosensors were evaluated in viral neutralization assays using sera from infected mice and humans, as well as in antiviral screening assays, demonstrating performance comparable to standard diagnostic approaches. The platform offers rapid, quantitative, and reproducible detection of field viral isolates, providing advantages over traditional serological and molecular methods. This tool supports improved clinical diagnostics, antiviral testing, and research on flavivirus replication and virulence.