Lectin Analysis of SARS-CoV-2-Positive Nasopharyngeal Samples Using GLYcoPROFILE^® Technology Platform

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Virology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Nasopharyngeal samples are standard for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics (nucleic acid amplification testing, antigenic testing).
• Direct glycan-specific analysis of these samples offers potential for uncovering unique glycol profiles.
• Assessing the qualitative potential of crude nasopharyngeal samples for glycan analysis is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize glycans in SARS-CoV-2-positive and -negative nasopharyngeal samples using lectin interactions.
• To evaluate the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the GLYcoPROFILE® technology platform for direct glycan analysis.
• To identify specific lectins relevant for distinguishing SARS-CoV-2-positive samples.

Main Methods:

• Direct glycan characterization of 45 crude nasopharyngeal samples (39 SARS-CoV-2-positive, 6 SARS-CoV-2-negative) using lectin interactions.
• Utilized the GLYcoPROFILE® technology platform for glycoprofiling.
• Compared glycan profiles from positive and negative samples against a panel of 10 selected lectins.

Main Results:

• GLYcoPROFILE® demonstrated a clear distinction between SARS-CoV-2-positive and -negative nasopharyngeal samples.
• WFA, GSL-II (GlcNAc-specific), PHA-L (GlcNAc-specific), and BPA (GalNAc-specific) lectins were highlighted as relevant for identifying SARS-CoV-2-positive samples.
• A significant, positive statistical correlation (p < 0.01) was found for these specific lectins.

Conclusions:

• Direct glycan profiling of nasopharyngeal samples using GLYcoPROFILE® technology can differentiate SARS-CoV-2-positive from -negative cases.
• Specific lectins (WFA, GSL-II, PHA-L, BPA) show diagnostic relevance for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
• This glycan-based approach offers a novel method for viral diagnostics.