Abstract: Compositions and immunoassays for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific antibodies in a biological sample are provided. The compositions are antigens from SARS-CoV-2 such as the proteins N, M, S, S1, S2?, NSP1, ORF3a, ORF3b, ORF7a, ORF7b and ORF8, fused to a light emitting protein. The compositions are useful in immunoassays for detecting antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 antigens. A preferred immunoassay is the luciferase immunoprecipitation systems (LIPS) to detect SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific antibodies with high sensitivity and specificity. The current or present exposure or infection with SARS-CoV-2 can be detected and/or diagnosed using the disclosed compositions and methods. Typically, the presence and/or elevated amount of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the individual’s biological sample compared to a control is indicative of current or past exposure or infection with SARS-CoV-2 as discussed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition useful for the treatment of diseases associated with viruses of the order Nidovirales of the family Coronaviradae, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) viruses in humans and other animals. In particular, this invention relates to a naturally occurring compound, namely, baicalin, extracted and purified from the Chinese medicinal plant Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Chinese name: Huang Qin), that exhibits potent antiviral activity against members of the order Nidovirales of the family Coronaviradae that infects humans and other animals; in particular, SARS viruses in humans (“hSARS virus”). The invention also relates to a therapeutic method, using pharmaceutical compositions comprising baicalin compounds, for the treatment, amelioration, management or prevention of diseases associated with members of the order Nidovirales of the family Coronaviradae, such as hSARS.