Grant: Op. Gr.:Emerging COVID-19 Res. Gaps & Priorities (July 2021) - Immune Responses

We expect approval of a COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 5-12. With this in mind, we seek to build capacity to evaluate the antibody response of children in this age bracket to the COVID-19 vaccine and understand how the antibody response relates to breakthrough infections. Our clinician partners from the COVID-19 Immune Task Force (CITF) pediatric network will collect saliva samples from children who are administered vaccines. We will use an Enzyme-linked immunoassay approach to measure IgG, IgA, and secretory IgA antibodies. This result will allow us to measure antibody levels and correlate these levels with breakthrough infections. In parallel, we will develop a multiplex serological test using quantum dot/smartphone barcoding technology. This device is portable and can detect multiple antibodies simultaneously. The results can be wirelessly connected to a doctor's office or public health laboratory to monitor immunity. Our antibody studies are critical for decision-making (e.g., booster shots), while our device could be useful for tracking immunity in the current and future pandemics.