Available COVID-19 serial seroconversion panel for validation of SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Diagnostic Assay Development

Background:

• Seroconversion panels are crucial for understanding antibody kinetics and validating diagnostic tools.
• Accurate detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is essential for disease management and vaccine efficacy assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To generate and characterize a SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion panel from a single donor.
• To evaluate the performance of six different SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays using this panel.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal plasma sample collection from a single SARS-CoV-2 positive donor over 87 days.
• Testing of collected samples against six commercial SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests (IgG, IgM, total Ig) utilizing recombinant antigens.

Main Results:

• The seroconversion panel demonstrated detectable IgG responses against SARS-CoV-2 after 50 days post-infection.
• IgM antibody levels peaked around day 50, preceding the IgG response, and subsequently declined.
• All tested assays showed distinct antibody profiles correlating with the longitudinal sample collection.

Conclusions:

• The generated SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion panel is a valuable resource for assay validation.
• The characterized antibody kinetics (IgM followed by IgG) provide a benchmark for SARS-CoV-2 serological test development.
• This panel aids in assessing the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tools for SARS-CoV-2 infection.