As a method for assessing neutralizing antibody levels in patient-derived samples, the bioluminescent RBD:ACE2 immunoassay readily detected neutralizing activities in positive COVID-19 sera and plasma from seroconverted individuals from two geographically distinct regions (Figs. 5, 6), without the need for viable SARS-CoV-2 virus or pseudotyped viral particles, hence not requiring higher biosafety laboratory requirements for containment of infectious agents (i.e.: BSL-3 for PRNT) or cell culture capabilities (i.e.: BSL-2 for VNT). This evidence concerns the gene ACE2 and COVID-19.