EpitoPredikt and EpitoGen® Technologies have been applied in the development of an epitope-based SARS-CoV-2 serology test with 99% accuracy
In the development of this precise serology test, the following epitope-based approach was employed:
Step 1- Identification of immunodominant epitopes using EpitoPrediktTM
Our AI software identified immunodominant regions “epitopes” within the SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins. The immunodominant epitopes are the specific viral elements that trigger the body’s antibody defence systems.
Step 2- Display epitopes on EpitoGen® scaffold
Our team displayed selected epitopes on the scaffold system and screened serum and plasma taken from patients, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Seasonal coronavirus positive sera and pre-COVID sera were used as negative controls. The best combination of epitopes was identified after testing each individually and then selecting those with the best sensitivity and specificity.
Step 3- Multiplex selected epitopes
The best combination of epitopes was fused together to create a chimeric antigen, whereby the sensitivity of the epitopes is combined to create a novel epitope-based assay. The AI-assisted EpitoGen® bio-scaffold has created a game-changing platform for serology diagnostics due to its superior performance and flexibility. This technology has the capacity to combine the performance of multiple immunodominant epitopes, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and eliminating cross-reactive epitopes to ensure specificity. Using this approach, prevalent SARS-CoV-2 variants are easily incorporated into the test, further boosting its sensitivity.
The success of this project was published by the University of Aberdeen News.
Our platform has positively impacted the fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic: United Nations publication & Tony Blair Institute report )
Our EpitoPrediktTM and EpitoGen® technologies emerged as disruptive platforms that will play a pivotal role in advancing the response to future pandemics and endemics. Our game-changing technologies have demonstrated the potential to change the trajectory of global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the innovation and advancement in the performance of these novel technologies ensure affordable, accurate testing for many auto-immune conditions. Therefore, such novel antibody tests will be provide a mechanism for enhancing both the diagnostics and the health sectors, which is something fundamental during these challenging times.