Summary
This is an initiative in support of the SARS-CoV-2 Serological Sciences, Sero Network.
The rapid circulation and spread of this virus lead to a significant impact to the healthcare systems with an
important societal disruption. Particularly susceptible has been the Black and Latino American origin population.
In addition to the demographic and social environment, it is no know if the genetic background plays a
predominant role in that outcome. In 42 states plus Washington D.C., Hispanics/Latinos make up a greater share
of confirmed cases than their share of the population. In eight states, it's more than four times greater. A great
deal of effort has been deployed at a global level to contain, mitigate, and to understand the circulation,
transmission, and immune response among others to SARS-CoV-2. However, there is a huge lack of knowledge
particularly in the dynamic of the immune response to this virus. One additional problem is that the correlation
between the antibodies titers and their neutralizing capabilities is poorly understood. Due to it, is difficult to
anticipate the level of protection of an individual having specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. So far, the
pandemic metrics, predictions, forecast models, and so on have been relying on molecular and serological
assays in an overwhelming manner. The contribution of the T cells, a key player in the immune response has
not been even mentioned by the organizations providing advice and guidance on the management of the
pandemic.
Understanding the mechanisms driving the serological, humoral, and cellular immune responses associated with
the host genetic and how they correlate with protection against SARS-CoV-2 is mandatory. We will implement
this SeroNet project in a Latino-African background population to determine the real seroprevalence to SARS-
CoV-2. Also, we aim to study the contribution of the genetic background (HLA characterization) to the disease
outcome and as susceptibility to worst clinical presentations. I order to accomplish our goals we will look in detail
to the antibodies neutralizing activity, T cells immunophenotypes, cytokine profile and will integrate that data with
the genetic characterization. Particular vulnerable population (individuals with comorbidities such as autoimmune
disease, immunosuppression, and obesity, medically underserved, and cancer populations) will be included in
the cohort). Our results will be compared with results obtained by other group members of the SARS-CoV-2 Sero
Network.