Reference no: EM133309086
Topic: The immunological test that we will learn about here is used to determine whether a person expresses antibodies against a particular pathogen. One such test is called the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, or ELISA, for short. ELISA tests are based upon the principle that our immune systems usually create antibodies that will neutralize these foreign agents. If the antigen is on the surface of a virus, a healthy immune system will, over time (and if the body is not overwhelmed by the disease) generate antibodies that will clear them out of your system. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 are being collected from the blood sera of folks who have recovered, because they can be injected into people suffering from acute infection. One of our greatest hopes for helping people in the near future- before a vaccine is successfully created- is to use anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies to help the desperately sick or those with weakened immune systems who cannot generate the antibodies themselves.
Pre-Lab:
The following is a short video that discusses how your lymphocyte white blood cells can generate an army of antibodies- and more white blood cells that will remember that antigen in case you get re-infected!
Question:
What is the main purpose of the plasma cells?
What is meant by the term clonal selection?
What do antibodies bind to?
An ELISA test can be performed if we possess purified parts of the pathogen: the antigens! With these specific antigens, we can go "fishing" for whether a person's plasma contains antibodies against that specific structure. If that antigen is part of the glycoprotein spikes on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, then you can have a visual assay that can tell you in minutes whether a person is positive for those antibodies- and a potential candidate for life-saving plasma donation.
ELISA Explained VideoLinks to an external site.
Why are the wells of the test tubes (or plates) coated with antigens?
What is the purpose of the enzyme-conjugated secondary antibody?
What is the purpose of the colorigenic enzyme substrate?
ELISA demonstration videoLinks to an external site.
Background: Four technicians are tasked with examining the plasma of two patients, John Doe and Jane Doe, for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, using ELISA. Examine the results, and answer the following questions.
Purpose: Restate the purpose .
Post-Lab Questions:
- What was the purpose of the negative and positive control?
- Evaluate the results from technician
- What could have gone wrong with technician #1's experiment?
- What could have gone wrong with technician #3's experiment?
- What could have gone wrong with technician #4's experiment?