CORONA - VirAn- Joint project: High-throughput multiplex bead assays; subproject 4: Validation and data analysis.

With the VirAn kit, which is currently being developed by the VirAn team, customized multiplex assays can be rapidly assembled for the simultaneous - determination of IgG, IgM, IgA antibodies in serum, plasma or saliva against various respiratory viruses and - estimation of the immune status by measuring cytokine levels. Multiplex beads are used for this purpose, which can be read on flow cytometers or imaging systems commonly used in the laboratory. The determination of several parameters by means of one and the same measurement platform is a must if a quantitative comparison between the values is desired and if complex markers are to be identified. Furthermore, such multiplex measurement is a prerequisite when speed and affordability are important. The multiplex beads are easily scalable and the composition of the assay can be adapted to the respective requirements, as in a construction kit (custom-tailored assay). Within the scope of the subproject, the assay will be tested on human biological samples. In addition, user cases will be defined, data analysis tools will be set up and data analyses will be performed to identify multi-parameter predictive and diagnostic markers and immune correlates as well as to assess risks of complications.