In a new study, researchers have set the stage for the development of highly sensitive antibody tests for infection with all known human coronaviruses, including new variants of SARS-CoV-2.
These tests should also allow differentiation of immune responses due to infection and vaccination.
The research was conducted by a team at Columbia University and elsewhere.
The new HCoV-Peptide array consists of 3 million immune markers on a glass chip, covering proteins of all known human coronaviruses, including the SARS-CoV-2.
In the study, the researchers identified 29 immune signatures specific to SARS-CoV-2.
These genetic fingerprints (peptides) provide the blueprint for tests that will be used for diagnostics and surveillance.
Current antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection may generate false-positive results because of cross-reactivity with seasonal coronaviruses responsible for the common cold, as well as MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1.
To develop the HCoV-Peptide array, the researchers first analyzed blood samples taken from people with asymptomatic, mild, or severe SARS-CoV-2 infections, and healthy individuals, and those exposed to SARS-CoV-1 and seasonal coronaviruses.
An analysis of all ~170,000 peptides related to known human coronaviruses yielded 29 peptides with the strongest and most specific reactivity with SARS-CoV-2.
Next, they validated their test using the second set of blood samples, including those from confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2, those with antibodies to other human coronaviruses, and healthy individuals.
The new test has a 98% specificity and sensitivity. Immune signatures were present from eight days after onset of COVID-19 symptoms to as long as six to seven months after infection.
The team says the work underscores the importance to public health of global collaboration and partnerships with industry in addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previously, the researchers have used similar methods to develop tests for Zika, acute flaccid myelitis, and tick-borne infections.
One author of the study is Nischay Mishra, Ph.D., an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Columbia Mailman School.
The study is published in Communications Biology.
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