COVID-19 Timeline: Diagnostics, Vaccines, and Therapeutic Antibody Development

Global research efforts are focused on understanding the SARS-CoV-2 virus in order to develop potential therapies for COVID-19. Join us as we explore a scientific timeline of key COVID-19 discoveries. The infographic highlights the historic development in diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutic antibodies. We’ll share our workflow solutions to the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention offering key systems to help accelerate your COVID-19 research and time to market.

1. Diagnostic development: The commercialization of the first COVID PCR test

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent for COVID-19 and the worst pandemic in modern history, was first identified in isolated cases in late 2019. The genetic sequence of the virus was obtained in early 2020 and subsequently shared with research laboratories around the world. The race to understand the molecular underpinnings of the virus and to develop effective treatments and vaccines was underway.

COVID-19 Diagnostic development

Process of diagnostic development using ELISA

The process of diagnostic development can involve multiple steps in identifying biomarkers indicative of virus. These include**** genetic signatures in the case of RT-PCR, or viral antigens in the case of antigen-based detection. Viral antigen and host antibody detection can be achieved by the use of enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and other quantitative approaches. Early characterization is paramount to understanding key targets for which tests and assays will eventually be developed.

Process of diagnostic development using ELISA

The above workflow for a typical sandwich ELISA procedure is time-consuming and labor-intensive; a laboratory automation for a high-throughput ELISA workflow can help with providing walkaway time, increasing throughput, effectiveness and efficiency of the assay procedure, and reproducibility.

The SpectraMax ABS and ABS Plus absorbance microplate readers provide the flexibility, sensitivity, and convenience for a wide range of assays such as ELISAs, microbial growth, and protein quantitation.

The SpectraMax® iD3 and iD5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers measure absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence. In addition, the iD5 reader measures TRF and FP and can be expanded to include TR-FRET, HTRF®, BRET, dual-luciferase reporter assays with injectors, and western blot detection.

The SpectraMax® i3x Multi-Mode Microplate Reader measures absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence with available upgrades including western blot, cell imaging, and fast kinetics with injectors, plus additional detection modes.

The AquaMax® Microplate Washer is a fully self-contained system, configurable for both 96- and 384-well microplates.

2. Vaccine development: The global effort to expedite COVID vaccines

On another front, a massive campaign was being waged in the development of vaccines to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and spread. Based on years of previous exploratory and preclinical work, several companies harnessed the genetic sequence of the virus in the creation of novel mRNA-based vaccines. Other routes of vaccine development were being explored as well, including those based on viral vector delivery systems and more traditional delivery of killed or attenuated viral particles. A multi-pronged approach was key to elucidating the most effective prevention strategies.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine development

Solutions for antigen and immunogen discovery for vaccine development

Vaccine development hinges on the initial understanding of viral DNA, antigens, and immunogenic response by the host immune system. In vaccine research, immunogen assays are used in viral screens, followed by extensive characterization of positive immunogenic genes and proteins. These can then be engineered and optimized to facilitate downstream vaccine development efforts. Key steps in the process include the use of tools for screening and identification of positive cell clones.

https://share.vidyard.com/watch/VMz74R2JyixorrzhW1Pank

In this video, Justin Dranschack, manager, BioPharma platform, reviews our workflow solution for vaccine development using recombinant proteins as the immunogen, and references the systems to aid in your research.

QPix® 400 Series Microbial Colony Pickers allow you to fully automate synthetic biology workflows for DNA assembly, antibody discovery, and protein engineering. With a variety of data tracking and assay tools, the QPix Software streamlines the control and management of complex and iterative processes.

The CloneSelect™ Single-Cell Printer™ (SCP) is a fully automated system that utilizes proprietary microfluidics-based technology and real-time image analysis to sort and deposit single cells into standard microplates—while simultaneously providing assurance of monoclonality through image documentation.

The SpectraMax® i3x Multi-Mode Microplate Reader measures absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence with available upgrades including western blot, cell imaging, and fast kinetics with injectors, plus additional detection modes.

Our ImageXpress High-content Imaging Systems offer an end-to-end solution for high-content screening and analysis. All our systems support a wide range of applications, increased throughput, and streamlined workflows.

3. Antibody discovery: The race to develop and scale therapeutic antibodies

Although vaccine development efforts target the prevention of viral infection and spread, the advent of therapeutics to treat disease are equally important. The development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies has played a critical role in bolstering the immune system and assisting patients afflicted with COVID-19. The process depends on identification and characterization of antibodies, protein engineering, and selection and growth of positive hybridoma cell lines.

COVID-19 Antibody discovery and cell line development

Hybridoma generation and screening of large antibody libraries

Hybridoma technology is a method for mass-producing antibodies in a hybrid cell line generated from the fusion of antibody-producing B-cells with an immortalized myeloma cell line, called a hybridoma cell. Since every B-cell produces a unique antibody, single-cell cloning of hybridomas can be used to generate a diverse library of unique monoclonal antibodies at a large scale, which is frequently used in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

The video below presents our solution for a hybridoma workflow and references the systems to aid in your research.

https://share.vidyard.com/watch/XT7k1HMuRMAyrUUh5S75A7

Justin Dranschack, manager of BioPharma solutions at Molecular Devices, discusses the hybridoma mAbs workflow and highlights automated systems that accelerate time to market.

The CloneSelect® Imager can help you meet regulatory demands of single cell verification with its automated analysis of cells in the white light channel and optional fluorescence to add another layer of confidence to monoclonality verification. The system also enables concurrent confluence and monoclonality studies.

The ClonePix® 2 Mammalian Colony Picker is a fully automated system for the selection of high-value clones used in antibody discovery and cell line development. Available with optional monoclonality assurance feature to condense cell line development workflows to a single instrument.

The SpectraMax® iD3 and iD5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers measure absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence. In addition, the iD5 reader measures TRF and FP and can be expanded to include TR-FRET, HTRF®, BRET, dual luciferase reporter assays with injectors, and western blot detection.

Our ImageXpress High-content Imaging Systems offer an end-to-end solution for high-content screening and analysis. All our systems support a wide range of applications, increased throughput, and streamlined workflows.

4. How to accelerate your COVID-19 research

Vaccine development workflows vary depending upon the platform (e.g., inactivated virus vs. DNA vaccine) chosen, each having its own advantages. To increase the likelihood of success against the infectious agent, CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and many other organizations promote diverse approaches during a pandemic.

accelerate-covid-19-research-solutions

We’ve created a variety of virus-related workflows – from antigen/immunogen and antibody discovery to stable cell line development. Above is a general workflow for vaccine development using recombinant proteins as the immunogen, referencing automated instrumentation to accelerate your research.

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