i-GlyCO: Immunoglobulin Glycosylation during COVID-19

COVID-19 Research Area(s): Diagnostics, Genomics & Transmission Dynamics

COVID-19 is an acute global pandemic that causes severe illness in populations with certain pre-existing conditions. The reasons for progression to severe disease remain poorly understood. Furthermore, some children develop "multisystem inflammatory syndrome of children (MIS-C)", for which the mechanistic reasons remain elusive.

The aim of our study is to explore, whether IgA immunoglobulins, which constitute the first line of mucosal defense, and their glycosylation ("sugar-coating") are associated with disease severity. Also, an association has been shown with IgA-antiphospholipid antibodies (IgA-aPL). To that end, we will analyze pre-existing blood and sputum samples of COVID-19 patients.
The results of this study will help us understand the mechanisms determining poor COVID-19 outcome and discern predictive biomarkers in a time of peak demand.