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More than 500 scientists in 18 countries to map COVID-19 effects and treatments in blood

University of Manchester
27 May 2020
Georgina Wynne Hughes
Editorial Assistant

Industry news

A new coalition of more than 500 scientists from around the world has been created to share data on COVID-19 gleaned from the use of mass spectrometry techniques which examine people’s blood and other biomarkers.

Announced in The Lancet, and coordinated from The University of Manchester, the COVID-19 MS Coalition is made up of many of the world’s leading mass spectrometry experts who will work together to look at the ways in which the novel coronavirus is present in patients’ blood and examine in detail how the virus is structured.

The aim is to refine testing approaches, stratify treatment options, determine isolation requirements and bring much needed speed into measurement aspects of novel therapeutic development programs – for COVID-19 and future threats.

Mass spectrometry (MS) is able to measure molecules that change in a patient’s blood as the infection takes hold. It can be used to find out what they are, and how many of them there are.

These measurements provide precise and reproducible diagnostic data at the molecular level that can complement information from genomic studies.

The coalition partners are also looking for biomarkers that will determine how a given individual will respond to the virus. These allow hospital labs to predict the outcome of the disease and to target treatment accordingly. By finding the biological pathways that alter as the disease takes hold, and considering genetic risk factors, mass spectrometry will provide crucial evidence as to why people respond differently

Mass spectrometry will be also be able to help develop effective treatments by targeted studies that measure the decrease in these markers.

The researchers will also attempt to define the precise structure of the viral spike protein and other antigens. Mass spectrometry is the only method that can map the complex sugar network that coats the surface of the viral spike protein and the human receptor.

Coalition partners are working to see which parts of the virus are involved in the interaction with cells, and how this interaction allows the virus to open and drop the infective RNA into the human host. This detailed mapping of the interaction is vital in the development of vaccines, designed to be a weaker form of the virus.

Professor Perdita Barran, Director of the Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, at The University of Manchester, was inspired along with her colleague Professor Clare Mills to develop the coalition, when her labs were closed during March.

Professor Barran said: “By cooperating in this way, the scientists working in the coalition will have access to many more sources of data from around the world. We will be pooling our expertise and we believe we will be able to work much faster and have an impact on a range of priorities; from testing, to treatment and vaccination.”

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Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer. BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :VirusesViruses are microscopic pathogens that require a host cell to replicate. Understanding their structure, replication cycle, and impact on the immune system is crucial in developing effective treatments, vaccines, and diagnostic methods. Research continues to focus on emerging viral diseases and antiviral drug discovery. Explore solutions for virus research, detection, and treatment in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.CoronavirusCoronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases like COVID-19. Research into the biology, transmission, and treatment of coronaviruses has become a global priority, particularly since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the virus�s structure and behavior is essential for developing vaccines, diagnostics, and antiviral treatments. Explore our peer-reviewed product directory to discover the latest research tools, diagnostic tests, vaccines, and treatments for coronavirus, compare products, read reviews, and receive pricing directly from manufacturers.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.Biomarker DiscoveryClinical biomarkers refer to substances related to known medical conditions that can be accurately measured <i>in vitro</i>. Biomarkers can be used to diagnose presence of a disease and indicate disease severity. The discovery of new biomarkers is incredibly valuable in the field of diagnostics.

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More than 500 scientists in 18 countries to map COVID-19 effects and treatments in blood