Deep immune phenotyping and single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) in patients with mild and severe COVID-19.
Initially this project will examine the antibody response to recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein and receptor binding domain (RBD) in terms of the titre, affinity and immunoglobulin isotype. In addition, we will express S and RBD proteins from SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, human coronaviruses, feline and canine coronaviruses to test for serum cross-reactivity. Deep immunophenotyping will be conducted with a combination of multidimensional flow using a panel of 28 markers, and single cell RNA sequencing. In parallel to the functional work, we will integrate GWAS data form the host genetics consortium (https://www.covid19hg.org) with existing OneK1K data to understand the cellular effects of genetic variants that contribute to severity of response. This will enable us to identify how genetic factors functionally act in the immune system.
