Peptide pools for SARS-CoV-2–specific T cell research

Peptide pools covering the spike glykoprotein: PepTivator SARS‑CoV‑2 Prot_S and Prot_S1 and Prot_S+

The surface or spike glycoprotein (S) plays a critical role in coronavirus infection as it is crucial for recognition and fusion of the virus with the host cell membrane. Two different functional domains of the S protein are responsible for these individual processes: The S1 domain contains the surface binding site to the host cell receptor, the ACE2 receptor, whereas membrane fusion is mediated via the S2 domain. Furthermore, cleavage at the boundary of the S1 and S2 domains (aa residues 685 and 686) via cellular proteases primes the protein for entry into the host cell. Upon fusion of the viral envelope and the host cell membrane, the viral genome enters the host cell and viral replication starts.   

The S protein, and especially the S1 domain, have been considered a potential key target for vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic approaches  (PMID: 32106567, 32142651).  

The PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S covers selected immunodominant sequence domains of the spike protein (aa 304–338, 421–475, 492–519, 683–707, 741–770, 785–802, and 885–1273; GenBank MN908947.3, Protein QHD43416.1). SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S1 spans the complete N-terminal S1 domain of the spike protein (aa 1–692) and SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S+ a part of the C-terminal S2 domain (aa 689–895). 

All three PepTivator Products can be combined to achieve a complete sequence coverage of the spike protein. Furthermore, the complete S2 domain (and parts of the S1 domain: aa 304–338, 421–475, and 492–519) is covered, when SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S and SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S+ are combined. 

PepTivator SARS‑CoV‑2 Prot_N

Prot_N stands for nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N). The N protein has multiple functions in the coronavirus replication cycle. Its primary function is viral genome packaging. Furthermore, it is involved in virus transcription and interacts with the viral membrane during virion assembly.  

The N protein has been suggested as a possible target for vaccine development (PMID: 32106567).  

The PepTivator SARS‑CoV‑2 Prot_N covers the complete sequence of the SARS‑CoV‑2 N protein (GenBank MN908947.3, Protein QHD43423.2).    
 

PepTivator SARS‑CoV‑2 Prot_M

Prot_M stands for membrane glycoprotein (M). The M protein is the most abundant structural protein in the coronavirus envelope and thus defines viral morphogenesis. Additionally, the M protein is crucial for efficient virion assembly and involved in viral budding.  

The M protein has been suggested as a possible target for vaccine development (PMID: 16423399).  

The PepTivator SARS‑CoV‑2 Prot_M covers the complete sequence of the SARS‑CoV‑2 M protein (GenBank MN908947.3, Protein QHD43419.1). 
 

All PepTivator SARS‑CoV‑2 products are available in two sizes (6 nmol and 60 nmol per peptide per vial) in research-grade quality.     

PepTivator® Peptide Pools  consist of short 15-mer peptides with 11-amino-acid overlaps, covering the amino acid sequence of a particular virus-, tumor-, or auto-antigen. 

They bind to MHC class I as well as MHC class II complexes and thus are suitable for the antigen-specific stimulation of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. Products containing 6 nmol per peptide are sufficient to stimulate up to 10⁸ cells and products containing 60 nmol per peptide are sufficient to stimulate up to 10⁹ cells.
 

Virus-specific PepTivator Peptide Pools can be used:

• In vaccine research, for example, to analyze T cell immunity after vaccination (PMID: 31137606, 21098232, 30846697).
• For research on dendritic cell vaccination, for example, to pulse antigen-presenting cells (PMID: 30952614).
• To monitor the immune status of patients (PMID: 32169158, 20427631, 26734066, 28960213).

More references for PepTivator Peptide Pools can be found in our reference list available for download.

• Isolation of viable, antigen-specific CD4⁺ T cells with the CD154 MicroBead Kit (see protocol in related documents).
• Isolation of viable, antigen-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells using the MACS® Cytokine Secretion Assay.
• Detection and enrichment of human IFN-γ–secreting cells with Cell Enrichment and Detection Kits.
• Selection of human CD137⁺ cells from PBMCs with the CD137 MicroBead Kit.
• Detection of antigen-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ effector/memory T cells using  MACS® Cytokine Secretion Assays or intracellular cytokine staining.

Find a complete workflow to activate, isolate, and detect virus-specific T cells here.