Targeted proteomics as a tool to detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins in clinical specimens

Research output: Working paperPreprintAcademic

Abstract

The rapid, sensitive and specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 is critical in responding to the current COVID-19 outbreak. Here, we explore the potential of targeted mass spectrometry based proteomics for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in both research and clinical samples. First, we assessed the limit of detection for several SARS-CoV-2 proteins by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) mass spectrometry. For Nucleocapsid the limit of detection was found to be in the mid-attomole range (0.9 x 10?12 g). Next, we apply this PRM assay to the detection of viral proteins in in vitro mucus substitutes, as well as in various clinical specimens such as nasopharyngeal swabs and sputum. In this proof-of-concept study SARS-CoV-2 proteins could unambiguously be detected in clinical samples, suggesting that the sensitivity of this technology may be sufficiently high to further explore its potential role in diagnostics.
Original languageEnglish
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Research programs

  • EMC MGC-02-21-01

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