Investigators: Sonia McAlister, Allison Imrie, Herbert Ludewick, Warren Pavey, David Smith, Peter Richmond
Project description
Understanding population levels of immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and it’s duration following infection are critical for public health and immunisation policy. Numerous antibody assays to address this were rapidly released early during the pandemic but post-marketing studies revealed major issues in detecting low antibody levels post-infection (poor sensitivity) and false positive readings (poor specificity).
This project aims to develop a sensitive and specific antibody test specific to SARS-CoV-2 using a novel fluorescent bead-based technology (Bioplex) that will measure mucosal and systemic immune responses to functional epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 in people who have recovered from COVID-19 or received a COVID-19 vaccination.
This high-impact project will provide novel insights into the kinetics of antibodies induced by infection versus vaccination.
Project outputs
This work will allow characterisation of the systemic (IgM, IgG, IgA) and mucosal (IgA, IgG) antibody response to important SARS-CoV-2 protein antigens and will therefore create significant advances in understanding SARS-CoV-2 immunity to guide public health and vaccination policy.
External collaborators
- Allison Imrie (The University of Western Australia)
- Herbert Ludewick (Heart and Lung Research Institute)
- Warren Pavey (Fiona Stanley Hospital)
- David Smith (PathWest)
Funders
- WCVID