Project Details
Description
CORE B SUMMARY
The services provided by Core B (Testing and Biorepository) will be essential for all Projects and Cores in the
Serological Testing to Improve Outcomes from COVID-19 (STOP-COVID) Center. Serology and viral data from
Core B, collected longitudinally, will be leveraged by the three Projects to understand determinants of
prevalence, transmission, and protection in first responders and their household contacts, a cohort of
individuals who remain at high risk for exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The major goals for Core B will be to: (i)
archive serum and cell samples collected during the five-year longitudinal study (Aim 1), (ii) perform virus
testing on nasopharyngeal swabs (Aim 2), (iii) generate first-tier serology data on levels, isotypes, specificities,
and neutralization activities of antibodies for all Projects (Aim 3), and (iv) interpret data with all STOP-COVID
components, keeping a focus on producing new, testable hypotheses about COVID transmission and
strategies for protection. Key attributes of Core B are that we have (i) in-house, FDA-approved testing for virus,
(ii) a battery of validated antibody assays that measure distinct antigen specificities and Ig isotypes, (iii) assays
for virus neutralization by serum antibodies, and (iv) an existing COVID biorepository infrastructure. Core B
personnel have either developed or validated each of these assays. Importantly, Core B has also secured
funding from OSU to support the bulk of our proposed testing. Cores A, B, and C will interface for
storage, security, and deep analysis of data/metadata. Projects 1, 3, and Cores A-C will synergize to
communicate testing data generated by our group to SeroNet, with regard to their immediate impact and on
our evolving knowledge about COVID etiology, pathogenesis, and immunity. Core B will work closely with
Project 3 on methods to communicate these data to STOP-COVID participants, focusing on their interpretation,
current impact, and how they will guide future practices for mitigation. In summary, Core B will facilitate the
collection, analysis, and interpretation of first-tier serological and viral qRT-PCR data, which will generate new
hypotheses about COVID transmission and protection (Projects 1-2, Cores A and C). Thus, the integrative
services and analyses provided by Core B will advance all Projects conceptually, will facilitate prioritization of
downstream studies by all Projects and Cores and, ultimately, should identify new approaches to stop COVID
or inhibit its transmission.
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 09/30/22 → 08/31/23 |
Funding
- National Cancer Institute: $290,380.00
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