Untargeted Mass Spectrometry Approach to Study SARS-CoV-2 Proteins in Human Plasma and Saliva Proteome

Since the start of COVID-19 outbreak, more than four million people have died this disease. Given its ability to provide a precise response, mass spectrometry-based proteomics could represent useful tool study pathology. To end, an untargeted nLC-ESI-MS/MS-based method characterise SARS-CoV-2 proteins, including possible variants, and investigate human saliva plasma proteome in single analysis was developed for further application patients. Four recombinant three (S1–S2–RBD) belonging spike glycoprotein (S) one corresponding nucleoprotein (N), were prepared analysed with nLC-UHRTOF by injecting decreasing amounts establish limit detection (LOD) method. This determined as 10 pg all components S protein N (71 amol 213 amol, respectively). Various viral inactivation strategies plus deglycosylation digestion approaches then tested spiked different quantities proteins. The characterisation (LOC) proteins observed at 100 (coverage 20% 3%, respectively); instead, plasma, it 33 330 protein, coverage 4% both. About 300 800 identified saliva, respectively, several key effectors pathways that are known be altered In conclusion, approach allows simultaneously explored, both showing high relevant potential retrospective studies aimed investigating virus variants patient stratification.