A Novel Quantitative Multi-Component Serological Assay for SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Evaluation

Anal Chem. 2022 Mar 15;94(10):4380-4389. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c05264. Epub 2022 Mar 1.

Abstract

A multi-component microarray, applying a novel analysis algorithm, was developed for quantitative evaluation of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines' immunogenicity. The array enables simultaneous quantitation of IgG, IgM, and IgA, specific to the SARS-CoV-2 spike, receptor binding domain, and nucleocapsid proteins. The developed methodology is based on calculating an apparent immunoglobulin signal from the linear range of the fluorescent read-outs generated by scanning the microarray slides at different exposure times. A dedicated algorithm, employing a rigorous set of embedded conditions, then generates a normalized signal for each of the unique assays. Qualification of the multi-component array performance (evaluating linearity, extended dynamic-range, specificity, precision, and accuracy) was carried out with an in-house COVID-19, qRT-PCR positive serum, as well as pre-pandemic commercial negative sera. Results were compared to the WHO international standard for anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins. Specific IgG, IgM, and IgA signals obtained by this array enabled successful discrimination between SARS-CoV-2 q-RT-PCR positive (seroconverted SARS-CoV-2 patients) and negative (naïve) samples. This array is currently used for evaluation of the humoral response to BriLife, the VSV-based Israeli vaccine during phase I/II clinical trials.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19 Vaccines*
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M