![]() ![]() Can you tell us more about the study and its findings? Therefore, the S1 subunit could be the specific target antigen for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.ĪM: Recent research has cautioned against the extensive use of tests that detect antibodies against the N protein only. Recent studies have shown the N protein-based antibody assays could exhibit a higher false-negative rate compared with the S1 subunit, and that S1 subunit purified from mammalian cells demonstrated the highest performance to distinguish COVID-19 patients from controls. ![]() S1 subunit also has evolutionary low protein homologies within the coronavirus family suggesting that it could potentially demonstrate less cross-reactivities among the endemic coronaviruses. S1 subunit contains immunologically crucial receptor binding domain (RBD), which is the key target of neutralizing antibodies. Therefore, both N and S protein could be potential targets for the antibody-based detection of SARS-CoV-2. However, the N protein homology between SARS-CoV-2 and SARSCoV-1 is 90 percent, compared with the S protein (77 percent), especially the S1 subunit including the RBD (66 percent). The N protein is abundantly expressed during infections and also has high immunogenic activity. The N protein plays an important role in the transcription and replication of viral RNA, packaging the encapsidated genome into virions and inhibits the cell cycle process of the host cells. The S protein is highly immunogenic since it is located on the surface of the virus. The S protein consists of the S1 and S2 subunits. IV: Coronavirus has four main structural proteins: nucleocapsid (N), spike (S), membrane (M) and envelope (E). Can you explain the differences between these two proteins and what makes them suitable as target antigens? Lastly, antibody detection can help select appropriate individuals for clinical trials for vaccine or therapy development.ĪM: In the case of SARS-CoV-2, most serology tests are based on detecting antibodies against either the N protein or the S protein. Furthermore, these assays can identify individuals who can be donors of convalescent plasma to treat infected individuals. Serological assays are helpful in conducting epidemiologic studies to evaluate the extent of virus spread in communities and to determine infection fatality rate. Antibody detection in combination with RT-PCR expands the detection window of SARS-CoV-2 infection and minimizes false-negative RT-PCR testing. However, detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus complements viral testing. Therefore, these tests cannot be used to detect acute infections. ![]() Serological testing helps to understand the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in a dynamic qualitative manner and to identify individuals who were exposed to the virus.Īnti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies can be detected in blood as early as 10 days after the onset of clinical symptoms. Iswariya Venkataraman (IV): Once there is contact with SARS-CoV-2, the immune system produces antibodies against this virus. Iswariya also discussed the findings and implications from the study, which cautioned against the extensive use of tests that detect antibodies against the N protein only.Īnna MacDonald (AM): Can you provide our readers with an overview of serology tests, what they detect, and how this information can be used? Technology Networks spoke to Dr Iswariya Venkataraman, Scientific Affairs Lead at EUROIMMUN US, to learn about the differences between the S and N proteins and what makes them suitable as target antigens in serology testing. Some detect the presence of antibodies against the spike (S) protein, while others detect antibodies against the nucleocapsid (N) protein. However, findings from a study recently published in JCI Insight suggest that the information which can be inferred from a positive antibody test may depend on the specific antibodies that the test detects. Several tests have already been developed which can detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and identify individuals who have experienced prior infection with the virus. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have been working tirelessly to understand the human immune response to SARS-CoV-2, including the duration and level of protection that antibodies may provide against re-infection. ![]()
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