The scientific community is relentlessly working to fight SARS‑CoV‑2. Miltenyi Biotec stands committed to assisting those researchers in understanding the immune cell response to COVID-19.
SARS-CoV-2 PepTivator Peptide Pools can be used to investigate T cell immunity in COVID-19 after natural infection or vaccination. Load antigen-presenting cells with the peptides and stimulate SARS-CoV-2–specific T cells. The T cells can then be detected and/or isolated for further research, including analysis of T cell immune response after vaccination or monitoring the immune status after infection. We provide different peptide pools covering specified proteins parts of wild-type and mutated SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Overview of SARS‑CoV‑2 PepTivator Peptide Pools for sale
SARS-CoV-2 lineage | Protein | Sequence part | Quality grade | Product name |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wild-type variant | Whole proteome (structural and non-structural proteins) | MHC-I restricted epitopes | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 MHC-I Select |
Immunodominant sequences | Premium grade & MACS GMP | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Select | ||
Spike protein | MHC-I restricted epitopes | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 MHC-I Select Prot_S | |
Predicted immunodominant sequences | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S | ||
Complete N-terminal S1 domain | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S1 | ||
Parts of the C-terminal S2 domain | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S+ | ||
Complete sequence of the mature protein | Research & premium grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S Complete | ||
Nucleoprotein | Complete sequence | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_N | |
Membrane protein | Complete sequence | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_M | |
Mutated variants | AY.1 (Delta plus) spike protein | Mutated regions (and WT reference) | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S AY.1 |
B.1.1.529/BA.1 (Omicron) spike protein | Mutated regions (and WT reference) | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.1.529/BA.1 | |
B.1.1.529/BA.1 (Omicron) spike protein | Complete sequence | Researchgrade | PepTivator® SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S Complete BA.1 | |
B.1.1.529/BA.2 (Omicron) spike protein | Mutated regions (and WT reference) | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.1.529/BA.2 | |
B.1.1.529/BA.5 (Omicron) spike protein | Mutated regions (and WT reference) | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.1.529/BA.5 | |
B.1.1.529/BA.5 (Omicron) spike protein | Complete sequence | Research grade | PepTivator® SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S Complete BA.5 | |
B.1.1.7. (Alpha) spike protein | Mutated regions (and WT reference) | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.1.7 | |
B.1.1.7. (Alpha) nucleoprotein | Mutated regions (and WT reference) | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_N B.1.1.7 | |
B.1.351 (Beta) spike protein | Mutated regions (and WT reference) | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.351 | |
B.1.427/B.1.429 (Epsilon) spike protein | Mutated regions (and WT reference) | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.427/B.1.429 | |
B.1.525 (Eta) spike protein | Mutated regions (and WT reference) | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.525 | |
B.1.617.1 (Kappa) spike protein | Mutated regions (and WT reference) | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.617.1 | |
B.1.617.2 (Delta) spike protein | Mutated regions (and WT reference) | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.617.2 | |
BQ.1.1 (Omicron subvariant) spike protein | Mutated regions (and WT reference) | Research grade | PepTivator® SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S BQ.1.1 | |
P.1 (Gamma) spike protein | Mutated regions (and WT reference) | Research grade | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S P.1 |
Two MHC-I specific SARS-CoV-2 PepTivators, consisting of MHC class I-restricted peptides of 8-12 aa length, are available in research grade quality. PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 MHC-I Select covers selected epitopes of the whole proteome of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) protein, nucleoprotein (N), nucleoprotein (N), ORF1ab, ORF3a, ORF7a, ORF8 and ORF10). In contrast, PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 MHC-I Select Prot_S covers selected epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 surface or spike glycoprotein (S).
The MHC-I specific SARS-CoV-2 PepTivators can be:
Comparison of T cell reactivity towards the spike protein and other SARS-CoV-2 proteins allows to distinguish vaccine-induced from natural T cell immunity.
Our PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Select covers selected immunodominant epitopes of the whole SARS-CoV-2 proteome. The peptides originate from structural proteins (spike protein, membrane protein, nucleoprotein, and envelope protein) as well as non-structural proteins. The included MHC class I– and MHC class II–restricted peptides have a length between 9–22 aa and enable the stimulation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Select is available in two quality grades:
Premium grade, being perfectly suited for your translational and basic research with a size of 6 nmol/peptide and an overall peptide purity of >80%. The product is manufactured and tested under a quality management system (ISO 9001).
MACS GMP, supporting your clinical research with a size of 60 nmol/peptide and an overall peptide purity of >90%. The sterile-bottled product (tested according to Ph. Eur.) is manufactured and tested under a quality management system (ISO 13485) and in compliance with relevant GMP guidelines. Designed following the recommendations of USP <1043> on ancillary materials.
Find out more about our MACS GMP PepTivator Peptide Pools and their application here.
PepTivator Peptide Pools consist of mainly of 15-mer peptides with 11-amino-acid overlaps, covering the amino acid sequence of a particular 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.
Our SARS-CoV-2 PepTivator Peptide pools are available in both sizes (6 nmol and 60 nmol per peptide per vial) in research-grade quality. With a broad product selection covering main structural SARS-CoV-2 proteins and an average purity of 70%, they are the perfect choice for your basic research, e.g., to monitor the immune response after natural infections or upon vaccination.
Highlight: PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S Complete is now also available in premium-grade quality. In this specific case individual peptides have a purity of >90%.
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.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the S protein and especially the S1 domain have been considered a potential key target for vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic approaches. In fact, thanks to the relentless work of the scientific community, several vaccines based on the spike protein are available today and more are under development.
To achieve a complete sequence coverage, you can either combine the three PepTivator Peptide Pools (SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S, Prot_S1 and Prot_S+) or choose PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S Complete as a convenient all-in-one solution.
Prot_N stands for nucleoprotein (N), also known as nucleocapsid protein. 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).
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).
A more detailed analysis of the stimulation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is shown in "exemplary application data" and more examples for the application of SARS-CoV-2 PepTivator Peptide Pools can be found under "references".
Following ordinary viral evolution, SARS-CoV-2 accumulates mutations over time, leading to new virus variants. With the B.1.1.7 lineage (Alpha variant) and the B.1.351 lineage (Beta variant), it was first reported that mutations have affected immune relevant parts of structural virus proteins. New SARS-CoV-2 lineages are in the spotlight of COVID-19 research as they are able to evade pre-existing antibody responses and appear to be more infectious than the Wuhan wild-type variant.
We offer PepTivator Peptide Pools covering the mutated sequences of the structural proteins of the new SARS-CoV-2 variants (mutation pools). They can be used to supplement PepTivator Peptide Pools based on the Wuhan variant (PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S, Prot_S1, Prot_S+, Prot_S Complete, Prot_N, or Select) to ensure that the immune response towards different virus lineages is detected upon stimulation. Besides the mutation pools, we also offer the respective WT reference pools, covering the homologous sequence domains of the Wuhan variant (WT) without mutation. Thus, comparison of the T cell immune response upon stimulation with the mutation versus reference pools can be used to detect mutation-specific T cell responses.
We continuously extend our product portfolio as new virus strains arise. The table below gives an overview of available PepTivator Mutation and WT Reference Pools. The products are available in research grade with a size of 6 nmol/peptide.
Overview of SARS‑CoV‑2 PepTivator Peptide Pools covering mutated virus variants
SARS-CoV-2 lineage | Database reference sequence (GISAID) | Protein | Mutations and deletions | Number of peptides | Product names |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AY.1 Delta plus variant, VOC Delta G/478K.V1 (B.1.617.2+AY.1+AY.2) | EPI_ISL_2645281 | Spike protein | T19R T95I G142D E156G del 157 del 158 W258L K417N L452R T478K D614G P681R D950N | 44 | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S AY.1 Mutation Pool WT reference: PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S AY.1 WT Reference Pool |
B.1.1.529/BA.1 Omicron variant Sublineage BA.1 | EPI_ISL_6704874 | Spike protein | A67V del H69 del V70 T95I G142D del V143 del Y144 del Y145 del N211 L212I ins 214EPE G339D S371L S373P S375F K417N N440K G446S S477N T478K E484A Q493R G496S Q498R N501Y Y505H T547K D614G H655Y N679K P681H N764K D796Y N856K | 83 | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.1.529/BA.1 Mutation Pool WT reference: SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.1.529/BA.1 WT Reference Pool |
B.1.1.529/BA.2 Omicron variant Sublineage BA.2 | EPI_ISL_10319603 | Spike protein | T19I del L24 del P25 del P26 A27S G142D V213G G339D S371F S373P S375F T376A D405N R408S K417N N440K S477N T478K E484A Q493R Q498R N501Y Y505H D614G H655Y N679K P681H N764K D796Y Q954H N969K | 68 | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.1.529/BA.2 Mutation Pool WT reference: SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.1.529/BA.2 WT Reference Pool |
B.1.1.529/BA.5 Omicron variant Sublineage BA.5 | n.a. | Spike protein | T19I del L24 del P25 del P26 A27S del H69 del V70 G142D V213G G339D S371F S373P S375F T376A D405N R408S K417N N440K L452R S477N T478K E484A F486V Q498R N501Y Y505H D614G H655Y N679K P681H N764K D796Y Q954H N969K | 76 | PepTivator® SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.1.529/BA.5 Mutation Pool WT reference: SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.1.529/BA.5 WT Reference Pool |
B.1.1.7. Alpha variant, UK variant, VUI202012/01, or VOC202012/01 | EPI_ISL_756151 | Spike protein | del 69 del 70del 144N501YA570DD614GP681HT716IS982AD1118H | 34 | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.1.7 Mutation Pool WT reference: PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.1.7 WT Reference Pool |
B.1.1.7. Alpha variant, UK variant, VUI202012/01, or VOC202012/01 | EPI_ISL_756151 | Nucleoprotein | D3L R203K G204R S235F | 9 | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_N B.1.1.7 Mutation Pool WT reference: PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_N B.1.1.7 WT Reference Pool |
B.1.351 Beta variant, South Africa variant, 501Y.V2, or VOC-202012/02 | EPI_ISL_861709 | Spike protein | D80A D215G del 242 del 243 del 244 K417N E484K N501Y D614G A701V | 30 | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.351 Mutation Pool WT reference: PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.351 WT Reference Pool |
B.1.427/B.1.429 Epsilon variant, California variant, CAL.20C, or GH/452R.V1 | EPI_ ISL_648527 | Spike protein | S13I W152C L452R D614G | 16 | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.427/B.1.429 Mutation Pool WT reference: PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.427/B.1.429 WT Reference Pool |
B.1.525 Eta variant, Variant G/484K.V3, or VUI-202102/03 | EPI_ISL_760883 | Spike protein | Q52R A67V del 69 del 70 del 144 E484K D614G Q677H F888L | 28 | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.525 Mutation Pool WT reference: PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.525 WT Reference Pool |
B.1.617.1 Kappa variant, G/452R.V3, “double mutant” (E484Q+L452R) or VUI-21APR-01 | EPI_ISL_1719097 | Spike protein | T95I G142D E154K L452R E484Q D614G P681R Q1071H | 30 | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.617.1 Mutation Pool WT reference: PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.617.1 WT Reference Pool |
B.1.617.2 Delta variant, G/452R.V3, “double mutant” (T478K+L452R) or VUI-21APR-02 | EPI_ISL_1718882 | Spike protein | T19R G142D E156G del 157 del 158 L452R T478K D614G P681R D950N | 32 | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.617.2 Mutation Pool WT reference: PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S B.1.617.2 WT Reference Pool |
BQ.1.1 Omicron variantsublineage | Spike protein | T19I del L24 del P25 del P26 A27S del H69 del V70 G142D V213G G339D R346T S371F S373P S375F T376A D405N R408S K417N N440K K444T L452R N460K S477N T478K E484A F486V Q498R N501Y Y505H D614G H655Y N679K P681H N764K D796Y Q954H N969K | 79 | PepTivatorSARS-CoV-2 Prot_S BQ.1.1 Mutation Pool WT Reference:PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S BQ.1.1 | |
P.1 Gamma variant, Brazilian variant, 20J/501Y.V3, or VOC-202101/02 | EPI ISL_792682 | Spike protein | L18F T20N P26S D138Y R190S K417T E484K N501Y D614G H655Y T1027I V1176F | PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S P.1 Mutation Pool WT reference: PepTivator SARS-CoV-2 Prot_S P.1 WT Reference Pool |
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. Therefore it is a key target for vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic approaches. With new virus variants emerging, new adapted vaccines were developed based on the S protein of mutated variants e.g. the Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.5. We offer PepTivator Peptide Pools covering the complete coding sequence of the S protein of these variants to facilitate research on immune responses towards these virus variants e.g. in recovered individuals or after vaccination. The products are available in research grade quality with a size of 6 nmol/peptide.
Covers the complete sequence of the mature spike protein (omitting the first four amino acids of the N-terminal signal peptide) of the B.1.1.529/BA.1 lineage (Omicron variant).
Covers the complete sequence of the mature spike protein (omitting the first four amino acids of the N-terminal signal peptide) of the B.1.1.529/BA.5 lineage (Omicron variant).
Selected references:
More references using our SARS-CoV-2 PepTivator Peptide Pools can be found in the reference section below.
Human T cell immunity – CD4+ and CD8+ T cell response
Human CD4+ T cell response
Human CD8+ T cell response
Cell therapy
Animal models, immunization and vaccination research
Mutated SARS-CoV-2 variants
Find detailed information on our complete workflow for stimulation, enrichment and analysis of virus-reactive T cells here.
Protocols:
The following protocols are designed for the 96-well plate format (PepTivators HT). You can adapt the protocols to the standard vial sizes of PepTivator Peptide Pools by resuspending the product as described in the data sheet and applying 2 µL/well (of a 96 well plate):