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MENSA, a Media Enriched with Newly Synthesized Antibodies, to Identify SARS-CoV-2 Persistence and Latent Viral
Natalie S Haddad1,2, Andrea Morrison-Porter1,2, Hannah Quehl1
1Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
Abstract:
Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS2) infection (PASC) is a heterogeneous condition, but the main viral drivers are unknown. Here, we use MENSA, Media Enriched with Newly Synthesized Antibodies, secreted exclusively from circulating human plasmablasts, to provide an immune snapshot that defines the underlying viral triggers. We provide proof-of-concept testing that the MENSA technology can capture the new host immune response to accurately diagnose acute primary and breakthrough infections when known SARS2 virus or proteins are present. It is also positive after vaccination when spike proteins elicit an acute immune response. Applying the same principles for long-COVID patients, MENSA is positive for SARS2 in 40% of PASC vs none of the COVID recovered (CR) patients without any sequelae demonstrating ongoing SARS2 viral inflammation only in PASC. Additionally, in PASC patients, MENSAs are also positive for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in 37%, Human Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in 23%, and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2) in 15% compared to 17%, 4%, and 4% in CR controls respectively. Combined, a total of 60% of PASC patients have a positive MENSA for SARS2, EBV, CMV, and/or HSV2. MENSA offers a unique antibody snapshot to reveal the underlying viral drivers in long-COVID thus demonstrating the persistence of SARS2 and reactivation of viral herpes in 60% of PASC patients.
Insights
Media Enriched with Newly Synthesized Antibodies (MENSA) identifies viral triggers in long COVID. This new immune snapshot reveals ongoing SARS-CoV-2 (SARS2) infection and reactivation of herpes viruses in 60% of patients with post-acute sequelae of SARS2.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), or long COVID, is a complex condition with unknown viral causes.
- Identifying the specific viral triggers is crucial for understanding and treating PASC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize Media Enriched with Newly Synthesized Antibodies (MENSA) to identify underlying viral drivers in PASC patients.
- To establish MENSA as a diagnostic tool for acute and long-term SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Main Methods:
- MENSA technology was employed to capture immune responses from circulating human plasmablasts.
- MENSA was tested for acute SARS-CoV-2 infections, post-vaccination responses, and in PASC patients compared to recovered COVID-19 controls.
- MENSA positivity for SARS-CoV-2, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Human Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV2) was assessed.
Main Results:
- MENSA accurately diagnosed acute SARS-CoV-2 infections and post-vaccination responses.
- MENSA was positive for SARS-CoV-2 in 40% of PASC patients, but in none of the COVID-recovered controls.
- In PASC patients, MENSA also showed positivity for EBV (37%), CMV (23%), and HSV2 (15%), significantly higher than controls.
- Overall, 60% of PASC patients had MENSA positivity for SARS-CoV-2 and/or other herpes viruses.
Conclusions:
- MENSA provides a novel immune snapshot to reveal persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection and reactivation of latent viruses in PASC patients.
- This technology highlights the role of ongoing viral inflammation and reactivation in the pathogenesis of long COVID.
- MENSA demonstrates potential as a diagnostic tool for identifying specific viral contributors to PASC.
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