Coronavirus Antigen Array For Parallelized Serological Profiling

The body's production of specific antibodies is the defense mechanism by which we derive immunity to a pathogen, like SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Tracking of the specific antibodies which patients develop against SARS-CoV-2 will allow a deeper understanding of this pandemic and a formation of an exit strategy. Antibodies can identify different parts or proteins of a pathogen known as antigens, with the recognition of different antigen sites leading to varying immune responses. Most current tests do not distinguish which antigens antibodies are recognizing and rely on recognition of antigens in viral lysate or a set of proteins containing the predominant neutralizing antigens. Using the additional information coded in the different recognition sites of the antibodies will provide a clearer understanding of the host immune system's response to the infection. This information will allow the characterization of patients further based on their antibody response profile. By including the immune response to other common coronavirus strains the test will identify potential false-positive classifications and potential cross-reactivity benefits. Within our project, we will develop a new antigen array allowing a parallelized approach covering the SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as other coronavirus variants such as those ascribed to the common cold. Through the use of antigen arrays, we can report antibody response profiles to SARS-CoV-2 providing: 1. A detailed map of the virus proteins, which are recognized by the antibodies. 2. The immunoglobulin isotype prevalence against each antigen and 3. The antibody titer for each immunoglobulin isotype. Such stratification will provide several insights into the reason for the various disease progressions and outcomes that have been observed. A more nuanced evaluation of a cohort may also be pivotal in understanding the homogeneity and potential robustness of long-term immunity to this and future coronavirus strains which may develop.