Creoptix collaborates with Prof. Adriano Aguzzi and the University of Zurich to characterize anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in patients with Coronavirus

21 Jun 2020
Tom Casburn
Associate Editor

Industry news

Creoptix, a Switzerland-based company focused on next-generation bioanalytical instruments, has announced its collaboration with Adriano Aguzzi, Professor for Neuropathology, University of Zurich, to characterize immunological responses to SARS-CoV-2 such as IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies, which signal whether an individual has been exposed to the Coronavirus.

Prof. Adriano Aguzzi and his team want to understand who has already been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and might be therefore immune. To identify these antibodies in blood samples, the Creoptix WAVEsystem – an extremely sensitive label-free, bioanalytical instrument that enables antibody detection in even pure serum or plasma – will be used.

Line Stigen Raquet, CEO of Creoptix, commented: “The threat posed by COVID-19 demands immediate actions to better understand the mechanisms of this virus in humans. We at Creoptix are tremendously excited and proud to support the efforts of Prof. Aguzzi and his team, who are working on the front lines. We are committed to enabling hospitals and clinical researchers with high performance solutions to characterize binding affinity and kinetics of antibodies on SARS-CoV-2 in conditions closer to real-life. The WAVEsystem’s combination of sensitivity and robustness may prove crucial in shedding light on antibody binding in serum and plasma.”

Creoptix is on a quest to accelerate diagnostics research and help understand immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. “We are fascinated by the idea that our technology could provide new insights in serological testing, guidance in the response to the pandemic and protection of the public’s health,” Line Stigen Raquet explained.

Prof. Adriano Aguzzi, added: “Antibodies are formidable weapons against viruses and that’s the basis of all vaccines. However, antibodies can also facilitate the entry of viruses into cells, thereby causing friendly fire. One determinant of such behaviors is the affinity of antibodies for their targets. In collaboration with Creoptix, we strive to determine the affinity of antisera from COVID-19 patients for their targets. We hope that such investigation may help understand why some patients recover fully from COVID-19 whereas others develop lethal disease.”

Do you use Creoptix products in your lab? Write a review today for your chance to win a $400 Amazon Gift Card

Tags

AntibodiesAntibodies are used in techniques such as confocal and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunopreciptation. Select specific antigen reactivity, high specific affinity, low non-specific binding, monoclonal or polyclonal, primary or secondary antibodies and associated conjugates such as an enzyme or dye for visualization.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Human PlasmaHuman plasma is the liquid component of blood, which carries blood components - nutrients, hormones, proteins, and waste - throughout the body. Plasma-based studies provide insights into biomarkers, immune responses, and disease mechanisms. Compare plasma handling tools and systems in our peer-reviewed product directory.Human SerumHuman serum is found in blood plasma. The protein is used in a variety of applications including tissue engineering, transplantation and cell therapy.Covid-19COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to a global health crisis with profound impacts on societies and economies. Research into diagnostics, vaccines, treatments, and understanding viral mechanisms continues to evolve. The pandemic has accelerated innovations in healthcare and biopharmaceuticals, including novel vaccine platforms and rapid testing technologies. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find top COVID-19 testing kits, research tools, vaccines, and treatments, compare products, read reviews, and receive direct pricing from manufacturers.
Creoptix collaborates with Prof. Adriano Aguzzi and the University of Zurich to characterize anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in patients with Coronavirus