Flow cytometry-based assay provides comprehensive picture of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody isotypes
In a recent Nature webinar, Kamala Tyagarajan, PhD, Director of Flow Cytometry Assays and Applications at Luminex, gave a presentation on flow-based multiplex assays for detecting various antibody isotypes to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The webinar provided an introduction to our Guava® SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen Antibody Kit, offering use cases and data from a number of studies in which the assay was used.
Enabling vitally important SARS-CoV-2 antibody research
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an urgent need for informative and accessible research solutions. Serological assays are important for understanding and monitoring the immune response to natural infections and vaccinations, and they also contribute data to epidemiological and surveillance studies. Flow cytometry solutions, which can be used for cellular and phenotyping studies, and analyzing blood samples, are a natural fit for this kind of research.
For a better understanding of the immune response, COVID-19 serological assays should be designed to detect multiple antibody isotypes. Not only does this ensure more comprehensive results, but it also allows scientists to track disease mechanism and development of immune response over time.
Our Guava SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen Antibody Kit, for example, detects IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies from serum and plasma samples for a more comprehensive view of an immune response. It includes negative beads, beads coupled to the nucleocapsid, receptor binding domain, and spike protein, and the aforementioned isotype-specific detectors for IgG, IgM, and IgA.
In the webinar, Dr. Tyagarajan explains that the assay can discriminate between the immune response to a natural infection versus vaccinations targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike or RBD proteins; in cases of vaccinated individuals, there are typically no antibodies to the nucleocapsid protein detected. In addition, samples collected from the same individual before and after vaccination reveal the full picture of immune response.
If you missed the webinar, check out the on-demand recording to watch a full replay, or learn more about how the Guava SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen Antibody Assay can make a difference in your COVID‑19 immunology research.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Related Content
- For Researchers Who Need Flexible Throughput, the Guava® Multi-Antigen Antibody Flow Cytometry Assay is Now Available [Blog]
- AAI Research Poster [Download]
- Guava® SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen Antibody Kit [Flyer]
- Luminex Flow Cytometry and Imaging [Webpage]
- Flow Cytometry Applications for COVID-19 Research [Flyer]