Antibody Testing for COVID-19

Antibody testing

A team of OIST scientists, led by Professor Matthias Wolf from the Molecular Cryo-Electron Microscopy Unit, has set up a blood antibody test that can be used to determine who has previously contracted COVID-19. The test could be used to screen residents in Okinawa to determine the true extent of the spread of the coronavirus.

The test works by detecting Y-shaped proteins called antibodies that are produced by the immune system when an individual is infected with the novel coronavirus. Antibodies can remain in the blood even after the virus has been killed off, and they can be detected using a method called Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay or ELISA. The test can be used on healthy individuals to determine if they have been infected and recovered from SARS-CoV-2. To learn more about the science behind the OIST antibody test, click here.

In August 2020, OIST invited all members of the university community to submit a blood sample that was analysed for COVID-19 antibodies. In total, 680 out of around 1200 researchers, students and staff took part. The results revealed that none of these samples had the antibodies for COVID-19 and the research has now been published in the journal Scientific Reports.

In collaboration with medical professionals, the team has also tested 2,690 samples from hospitals for the Okinawan Prefectural Government (OPG), 27 individuals from the Okinawa City Land Owners Association, 650 Veterinarian Doctors and staff, and 65 members of the capital’s fire department. Altogether, the Wolf Unit has produced the reagents for and carried out 4,132 antibody tests

Project Collaborators

OIST: Melissa M. Matthews, Tae Gyun Kim, Satoshi Shibata, Noriko Shibata, Christian Butcher, Jaekyung Hyun, Keon Young Kim, Theodore Robb, Siang Sheng Jheng, Tomoari Mori, Mary Collins, Matthias Wolf

Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, Infectious Diseases Internal Medicine: Yoshihiro Takayama (Research director of OPG study), Masashi Narita.

Kyoto University (statistical analysis for OPG study): Kenji Mitsumoto

Project Publications

To ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
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