Developing antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2
Because, in Bosch's words, the spike protein is the sole viral protein responsible for entry into the host cell, its stability as SARS-CoV-2 mutates is important for understanding whether re-infection with a novel strain is likely. Wang says that the spike protein is highly conserved. Virologists generally agree that media reports of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 are most likely due to erroneous PCR tests. Hibberd argues that once people produce antibodies against a particular coronavirus, they probably have immunity for life. Indeed, Wang's laboratory has investigated how long immunity against SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus lasts. “17 years later, a SARS survivor still has neutralising antibodies against SARS—we found that not only were the antibodies there, but they could still neutralise the SARS virus.”
Because, in Bosch's words, the spike protein is the sole viral protein responsible for entry into the host cell, its stability as SARS-CoV-2 mutates is important for understanding whether re-infection with a novel strain is likely. Wang says that the spike protein is highly conserved. Virologists generally agree that media reports of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 are most likely due to erroneous PCR tests. Hibberd argues that once people produce antibodies against a particular coronavirus, they probably have immunity for life. Indeed, Wang's laboratory has investigated how long immunity against SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus lasts. “17 years later, a SARS survivor still has neutralising antibodies against SARS—we found that not only were the antibodies there, but they could still neutralise the SARS virus.”
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