We propose the Stanford U54 SARS-CoV-2 Serological Sciences Center of Excellence (SUSS-COE) as a member of the SeroNet consortium gathered to address the urgent need for better understanding of human immune responses to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic that has engulfed the U.S. and the world. Our Center will be based on four scientific pillars: ? Deep mechanistic analysis of the adaptive immune responses of COVID-19 patients, spanning serological, B cell and T cell responses, ? Analysis of immune responses in the blood as well as mucosal sites, ? Comparing immune responses induced by infection to those induced by candidate vaccines, and ? Studying medically underserved, underrepresented and at-risk patient populations Within these parameters, we will attempt to determine the factors that result in effective and durable immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We are dedicated to broad collaboration, rapid sharing of data and technical knowledge, nimbleness in responding to the rapidly changing pandemic, and rapid translation of research findings to CLIA Lab clinical testing and development of new therapeutic approaches. We feel these are the best routes forward for addressing gaps in our understanding of the determinants of protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2, and providing useful tools for physicians and patients.
OVERALL: NARRATIVE We propose the Stanford U54 SARS-CoV-2 Serological Sciences Center of Excellence (SUSS-COE) as a member of the SeroNet consortium gathered to address the urgent need for better understanding of human immune responses to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic that has engulfed the U.S. and the world. We will emphasize deep mechanistic analysis of the adaptive immune responses of COVID-19 patients, spanning serological, B cell and T cell responses; analysis of immune responses in the blood as well as mucosal tissue sites; comparing immune responses induced by infection to those induced by candidate vaccines; and paying particular attention to the understanding the clinical needs and immune responses of underserved, underrepresented and at-risk patient populations. Within these parameters, we will attempt to determine the factors that result in effective and durable immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection and provide useful knowledge and tools for physicians and patients.
