Ultrasensitive high-resolution profiling of early seroconversion in patients with COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Diagnostic Assays

Background:

• Accurate identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial.
• Serological assays are vital for tracking immune response and disease spread.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a sensitive, multiplexed assay for detecting SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion.
• To quantify antibody levels (IgG, IgM, IgA) against multiple SARS-CoV-2 antigens.

Main Methods:

• Utilized dye-encoded antigen-coated beads for fluorescence-based detection.
• Employed a logistic regression model for seroconversion detection.
• Validated the assay on pre-pandemic and COVID-19 patient samples.

Main Results:

• The assay requires less than 1 µl of blood for detection.
• Seroconversion was detected as early as the first positive nucleic acid test.
• Achieved 99% accuracy in detecting seroconversion in a blinded validation cohort.

Conclusions:

• The developed assay enables high-throughput serological profiling of COVID-19 patients.
• Facilitates understanding of antibody isotype interactions with viral proteins.
• Aids in comprehending the heterogeneity of COVID-19 clinical presentations.