Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to systems for use in screening at least one binding agent for binding to at least one cell membrane protein. The systems include one or more cells that include the cell membrane protein. The cell membrane protein is genetically engineered to express a first peptide capable of generating a luminescent signal upon interaction with a second peptide. The systems may also include the second peptide. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of utilizing the systems to screen at least one binding agent for binding to at least one cell membrane protein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to anti-viral compounds suitable for use in blocking virus entry into cells. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of blocking virus entry into cells by associating the cells with at least one anti-viral compound of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the associating occurs in vitro. In some embodiments, the associating occurs in vivo in a subject through administration of the at least one anti-viral compound to the subject. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of treating or preventing a viral infection in a subject by administering to the subject at least one anti-viral compound of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the subject is a human being suffering from or vulnerable to the viral infection. In some embodiments, the virus includes a coronavirus, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).