SARS-CoV-2 correlates of protection in a Latino-origin population

Summary: This is an initiative in support of the SARS-CoV-2 Serological Sciences, Sero Network.The rapid circulation and spread of this virus lead to a significant impact to the healthcare systems with an important societal disruption. Particularly susceptible has been the Black and Latino American origin population. In addition to the demographic and social environment, it is no know if the genetic background plays apre dominant role in that outcome. In 42 states plus Washington D.C., Hispanics/Latinos make up a greater share of confirmed cases than their share of the population. In eight states, it's more than four times greater. A great deal of effort has been deployed at a global level to contain, mitigate, and to understand the circulation, transmission, and immune response among others to SARS-CoV-2. However, there is a huge lack of knowledge particularly in the dynamic of the immune response to this virus. One additional problem is that the correlation between the antibodies titers and their neutralizing capabilities is poorly understood. Due to it, is difficult to anticipate the level of protection of an individual having specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. So far, the pandemic metrics, predictions, forecast models, and so on have been relying on molecular and serological assays in an overwhelming manner. The contribution of the T cells, a key player in the immune response has not been even mentioned by the organizations providing advice and guidance on the management of the pandemic.Understanding the mechanisms driving the serological, humoral, and cellular immune responses associated with the host genetic and how they correlate with protection against SARS-CoV-2 is mandatory. We will implement this SeroNet project in a Latino-African background population to determine the real seroprevalence to SARS-CoV-2. Also, we aim to study the contribution of the genetic background (HLA characterization) to the disease outcome and as susceptibility to worst clinical presentations. I order to accomplish our goals we will look in detail to the antibodies neutralizing activity, T cells immunophenotypes, cytokine profile and will integrate that data with the genetic characterization. Particular vulnerable population (individuals with comorbidities such as autoimmunedisease, immunosuppression, and obesity, medically underserved, and cancer populations) will be included inthe cohort). Our results will be compared with results obtained by other group members of the SARS-CoV-2 Sero Network.