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MIT Chemists Uncover Novel Technique for Detecting Neutralizing Antibodies for COVID-19
MIT chemists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of detecting neutralizing antibodies against COVID-19. Their innovative technique, depicted in light blue, has the potential to rapidly determine if individuals are producing antibodies that offer protection against the virus.
Neutralizing antibodies play a crucial role in the body’s defense against infections. MIT scientists have devised a new method to identify these antibodies in a blood sample by examining their interaction with sugar molecules present on the surface of a viral protein.
The newly developed test has significant implications. It can reveal whether someone possesses neutralizing antibodies against viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, the specific virus focused on in the study. These antibodies, whether acquired through vaccination or prior infection, provide immunity against future infections.
Laura Kiessling, the senior author of the paper and the Novartis Professor of Chemistry at MIT, explains the potential benefits of this assay: “This type of assay could be used to check whether patients are really protected by vaccines or not. If someone is at high risk, it would be really good to be able to rapidly determine if they have neutralizing antibodies.”
Furthermore, this technique utilizing commonly available equipment in biochemistry labs can aid researchers in assessing the effectiveness of existing vaccines against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
The lead authors of the paper, former MIT postdoc Michael Wuo and MIT research scientist Amanda Dugan, highlight the applicability of this approach in their study published on May 10 in the open-access journal ACS Central Science.
To distinguish between neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies, the researchers employed a set of commercially available lectins. These lectins, derived from various organisms, have a binding affinity for carbohydrates. The lectins bind to the sugar molecules at the ends of sugar chains extending from the viral protein.
By introducing the lectins to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, each lectin attaches to a specific subset of sugar molecules present on the protein’s surface. Then, the researchers introduced serum containing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. If these antibodies strongly bind to the spike protein, they displace the lectins already attached to it.
Each antibody displaces a unique set of lectins, depending on its binding specificity. This displacement is measurable using an enzyme-linked lectin assay (ELLA), allowing the researchers to identify distinct patterns of lectin displacement—a distinctive “fingerprint” for each antibody.
Initially, the researchers identified fingerprints for antibodies already known to be neutralizing or non-neutralizing. They then tested patient blood samples and successfully determined whether the antibodies in those samples were neutralizing or not by comparing them to the fingerprints generated by known neutralizing antibodies.
According to Kiessling, “By looking at the different patterns, we could see that neutralizing antibodies fell into a different category than the non-neutralizing antibodies.”
Additionally, the researchers classified antibodies based on whether they originated from individuals who received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, both of which target slightly different viral RNA sequences.
The researchers have applied for a patent for this technology, envisioning its potential for performing rapid tests in doctors’ offices to determine individual patients’ antibody profiles.
This technique holds promise for identifying neutralizing antibodies against new SARS-CoV-2 variants and other disease-causing viruses. The researchers can adapt the method by rerunning the analysis with neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies specific to the target virus, thereby establishing the correct fingerprint for those antibodies.
Kiessling emphasizes the broad utility of the technique: “We could use the same panel of lectins for all SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. It can be useful for any new viruses that emerge, as long as they have a viral envelope.”
The research received funding from various sources, including the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease, the MIT Center for Microbiome Informatics, the Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogenesis Readiness, the National Institute for General Medical Science, and GlycoMIP, a National Science Foundation Materials Innovation Platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about detecting neutralizing antibodies
What is the new technique developed by MIT chemists?
The new technique developed by MIT chemists is a method to detect neutralizing antibodies against viruses like SARS-CoV-2. It involves analyzing how antibodies interact with sugar molecules found on the surface of viral proteins.
How can this technique help assess vaccine effectiveness?
This technique can help assess vaccine effectiveness by determining whether individuals have neutralizing antibodies against viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. By rapidly identifying neutralizing antibodies in a blood sample, researchers can evaluate the level of protection provided by vaccines.
Can this technique be used to detect antibodies against new variants of SARS-CoV-2?
Yes, this technique can potentially be adapted to identify neutralizing antibodies against new variants of SARS-CoV-2. By using a panel of lectins and analyzing the displacement patterns, researchers can establish the antibody “fingerprint” specific to each variant, enabling the detection of neutralizing antibodies.
What are the potential applications of this technique?
The potential applications of this technique are extensive. It can be used to determine if individuals are protected by vaccines, assess vaccine effectiveness against emerging variants, and categorize antibodies based on different viral RNA sequences. It also holds promise for identifying neutralizing antibodies against other disease-causing viruses.
What funding has supported this research?
This research has received funding from various sources, including the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease, the MIT Center for Microbiome Informatics, the Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogenesis Readiness, the National Institute for General Medical Science, and GlycoMIP, a National Science Foundation Materials Innovation Platform.
More about detecting neutralizing antibodies
- MIT News: Detecting Neutralizing Antibodies for COVID-19: A Novel Technique Uncovered by MIT Chemists
- ACS Central Science: Lectin Fingerprinting Distinguishes Antibody Neutralization in SARS-CoV-2
5 comments
Wow, MIT chemists have discovered a new way to find neutralizing antibodies against COVID-19. That’s super cool! They’re using some fancy technique with lectin displacement. Can’t wait to see how this helps assess vaccine effectiveness! MIT rocks!
MIT scientists are onto something big here. They found a method to ID neutralizing antibodies against viruses like SARS-CoV-2. It’s all about those sugar molecules on viral proteins. This could be a game-changer for testing vaccine protection and fighting those nasty variants!
MIT doing what they do best – pushing boundaries! Their clever technique to detect neutralizing antibodies is genius. This means we can check if vaccines are really working and protect high-risk individuals. Science FTW!
This MIT research on neutralizing antibodies is mind-blowing. They’re using lectins and viral proteins to create antibody “fingerprints.” That’s some next-level stuff right there! Can’t wait to see how this helps fight against COVID-19 and future viruses. Kudos to the scientists!
MIT scientists are like wizards with their lab equipment. They’ve developed a way to find neutralizing antibodies against COVID-19 using sugar molecules and lectins. It’s like a scientific fingerprinting game! This could be a huge step in understanding vaccine effectiveness. Exciting times!