Utility of in silico-identified-peptides in spike-S1 domain and nucleocapsid of SARS-CoV-2 for antibody detection in COVID-19 patients and antibody production

Utility of in silico-identified-peptides in spike-S1 domain and nucleocapsid of SARS-CoV-2 for antibody detection in COVID-19 patients and antibody production

Blog Article

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 contains four structural proteins, two of which, the spike and nucleocapsid, Prospecting Equipment are commonly used for the standardization of novel methods for antibody detection; however, some limitations in their use have been observed due to the homology of this virus with other phylogenetically-related viruses.We performed in silico analysis to search for novel immunogenic and antigenic peptides.A total of twenty-five peptides were preliminarily selected, located in the 3D structure of both proteins.Finally, eight peptides were selected: one located in the N protein and seven in the S1 domain of the spike protein.Additionally, the localization of selected peptides in 2D structures and possible changes in the sequences of these peptides in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern were Bearings analyzed.

All peptides were synthetized in MAP8 format, and recombinant S (trimer and RBD) and N proteins were used as antigens to search for antibodies in serum samples derived from COVID-19 patients, and for antibody response in New Zealand rabbits.Results showed high recognition of the serum derived from COVID-19 patients to all selected peptides; however, only the RBD3 peptide induced antibody production.In conclusion, this work provides evidence for a new strategy in peptide selection and its use for antibody detection or antibody production in animals.