Cov-MS: A Community-Based Template Assay for Mass-Spectrometry-Based Protein Detection in SARS-CoV-2 Patients

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Rapid global spread of SARS-CoV-2 necessitates effective pandemic monitoring and diagnostics.
• Current reliance on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for COVID-19 diagnosis faces challenges like reagent shortages.
• Alternative diagnostic methods are crucial for robust and accessible pandemic response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an alternative diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 detection using mass spectrometry (MS).
• To establish a collaborative consortium (Cov-MS) to enhance the test's applicability, accessibility, sensitivity, and robustness.
• To provide an orthogonal diagnostic approach complementing existing RT-PCR methods.

Main Methods:

• Development of a diagnostic test detecting proteolytically digested SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins via MS.
• Formation of the Cov-MS consortium involving academic and industrial partners.
• Establishment of the Cov-MS Digital Incubator for knowledge sharing and assay translation.

Main Results:

• Successful development of an MS-based assay for SARS-CoV-2 protein detection.
• Creation of a collaborative network (Cov-MS) to advance the diagnostic technology.
• Demonstration of an orthogonal and complementary approach to RT-PCR diagnostics.

Conclusions:

• The developed MS-based test offers a viable alternative for SARS-CoV-2 detection, mitigating reliance on RT-PCR.
• The Cov-MS initiative promotes wider adoption and improvement of this novel diagnostic approach.
• This protein-based method utilizes different reagents and expertise, enhancing diagnostic supply chain resilience.