Vaccine Development Research Solutions for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Nucleic acid isolation products for SARS-CoV-2

SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be purified quickly and efficiently from samples using the MagMAX Viral/Pathogen Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit. Visit our SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological research page to learn more about our viral nucleic acid isolation products  for SARS CoV-2 research,  including our KingFisher systems for high-throughput nucleic acid isolation.

End-to-end immunology solutions for vaccine research with Ion Torrent NGS

Deeper understanding of the adaptive immune system powers better insights into its role in vaccine research including immunogencity. The Ion Torrent immunology research portfolio enables a multi-dimensional research approach to repertoire sequencing and immune response. Each targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay is powered by the accuracy and sensitivity of Ion Torrent technology to help discover more from within precious samples.

Research factors such as host gene expression, signaling pathways, and microbiota to understand influences on immune response and the potential impact on vaccine efficacy.

• Transcriptome assay to understand changes in gene expression and signaling pathways due to immune response
• Human microbiome assay to study a key factor in host response and species with immunomodulatory properties

Transcriptome analysis ›         Human microbiome ›

The Ion GeneStudio S5 System is a scalable, targeted-NGS workhorse with wide research application breadth and throughput capability and is compatible with our complete portfolio of immune response research assays.

Learn more about the Ion GeneStudio S5 System ›

The Ion Torrent Genexus system features a hands-off, setup-and-go workflow with automated reverse transcription, library prep, template prep, sequencing, and analysis all on one instrument.

Request a virtual demo of the Genexus system ›
View the Ion Torrent NGS portfolio of vaccine research solutions ›

The simple, fast, cost-effective Sanger sequencing workflow make it ideal at different steps of the vaccine development workflow:

• In target discovery, it is being used to identify the virus and its variants.
• Can help with optimizing the sequence of the mRNA vaccine candidate to maximize protein expression.
• Can be used to sequence and characterize the neutralizing antibodies generated as a response to the virus which could potentially have therapeutic or prophylactic utility.

The entire workflow can be completed, from sample to answer, in less than one workday.  We offer products to support the entire workflow from PCR amplification to data analysis.  The SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer is an affordable, low-throughput cartridge-based benchtop genetic analyzer that eliminates complex instrument set-up to deliver Sanger sequencing runs in as little as 30 mins.

Learn more about Sanger sequencing solutions for SARS-CoV-2 research ›

The importance of human cell line authenticity

Vaccine research is often performed with cultured human cells obtained from major repositories or fellow researchers. An estimated 15–20% of the time, cells used in experiments have been misidentified or cross-contaminated with another cell line. Although major repositories now authenticate cell line identity, many are calling for all researchers to test and authenticate cell line identity using standard genotyping techniques like Short Tandem Repeat (STR) genotyping with CE.

We offer products to authenticate cell line identity:

• Applied Biosystems CLA Identifiler Plus and Direct kits are optimized to analyze 16 highly variant human STRs with amplification time of under three hours
• Applied Biosystems GeneMapper Software 6 and the cloud-based microsatellite analysis (MSA) software solutions facilitate analysis of STRs by making use of pre-established allelic ladders and sizing bin sets for the various STR alleles covered by the Identifiler kits

Flow cytometry is used to help measure the efficacy and safety of potential vaccines across their discovery and development process. Some of the advantages of flow cytometry are: ability to get data from a large number of cells from a single sample, efficiently acquire data unattended using a 96- and 384-plate autosampler, and scalability of scientific experiments as needs change. Flow cytometry is used in the screening, selection, and evaluation process of candidate vaccines where intracellular cytokine staining of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells can be used to measure their immunogenicity and efficacy. Flow cytometry immunophenotyping panels can also be used to measure changes in other cell types such as those of the innate immune response during testing. Sorting of the immune cells generated in response to candidates means they can then be further examined through NGS.

Explore more information about flow cytometry products and resources ›

See other research tools for studying the host immune response to viral infection, or see immune monitoring immunoassays for looking at markers to assess the cytokine release storm.

Invitrogen SuperScript reverse transcriptases were developed for improved thermostability, processivity, and cDNA yields to enable performance with even the most challenging RNA samples. With over 50,000 citations, reviews, and publications, SuperScript reverse transcriptases are proven to be a superior choice for those in vaccine development.

See what other reseachers are saying at thermofisher.com/ssiv.

Accelerate vaccine development using real-time PCR

Real-time PCR is an indispensable tool that is widely used throughout vaccine research and development. Real-time PCR offers an easy-to-use workflow, fast time to results, scalability for large numbers of samples, high sensitivity and specificity, and a wide dynamic range for precise detection and quantitation of nucleic acids. These unique benefits position real-time PCR as the go-to technology for a diverse range of applications, including targeted gene expression profiling of host immune responses, monitoring of virus and bioproduction cultures and stocks for adventitious agents, quantitation of virus- or gene-based vaccine dosage, assessment of viral vaccine infectivity and potency, and analytical QC of process residuals during manufacturing. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a comprehensive portfolio of real time PCR solutions that promise to accelerate vaccine development timelines.

To order, search the Assay ID or Name using our ordering tool:  Search now

Hypothesis-free target identification and evaluation of host gene expression is achieved with higher accuracy, in less time, using Invitrogen Collibri Library Prep Kits for Illumina systems.

The Invitrogen Qubit 4 Fluorometer enables accurate quantification and proper quality check of next-generation sequencing libraries, which is key to a successful sequencing run.

Mass spectrometry (MS) offers many approaches to gain insights into viral behavior by studying intact viral particles, their surfaces and binding characteristics, their protein compositions, and their impacts on the biochemical pathways of host cells upon infection. This information can help provide detailed insights into virus structure and function, which might inform drug and vaccine programs designed to prevent infection and disease.

Learn more about tools for vaccine research ›

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a broad range of cell culture reagents, equipment, and consumables to support vaccine research. Explore products in the tables below or learn more at thermofisher.com/cellculture.

GeneArt Gene Synthesis is a cost-effective method for obtaining customized DNA constructs that are 100% sequence accurate, allowing you to free up time and resources. The GeneOptimizer algorithm determines the optimal gene sequence for your expression system as part of a real multi-parametric approach that significantly increases protein yield via a combination of factors that stabilize mRNA and maximize translation efficacy.

Find out more at thermofisher.com/genesynthesis.

Learn more about our mRNA-based therapeutics workflow solution ›

GeneArt Gene-to-Protein

The full portfolio of Thermo Fisher Scientific, from GeneArt gene synthesis to optimized eukaryotic/mammalian expression systems, offers researchers the unique opportunity to perfect their gene expression results. Our proprietary sequence optimization algorithm (Invitrogen GeneArt GeneOptimizer technology) enhances the sequence through a parallel multi-parameter approach. To further maximize protein yield, you can choose from our best serum-free Gibco Expi293, Gibco ExpiCHO, and insect expression systems.

Find out more at thermofisher.com/genetoprotein

Our RNA experts have developed nucleotides, polymerases, modifying enzymes, and kits for high-yield capped RNA transcription, large-scale transcription, and transcription of short DNA templates.

Hight yield fast performing in vitro transcription kits offer simple and fast (~30 mins) workflow having low DNA input and a high final yield (≥ 160 µg) as a result. The MEGAscript family of kits use Invitrogen's high-yield patented technology to synthesize RNA for applications where large mass amounts of mRNA are required.

Recent publications where in vitro transcription products used:

SARS-CoV-2 Reverse Genetics Reveals a Variable Infection Gradient in the Respiratory Tract: Cell (Hou Y. J., et al 2020 Jul)

SARS-CoV-2 Detection for Diagnosis Purposes in the Setting of a Molecular Biology Research Lab - PubMed (nih.gov) (Coupeau D., et. al. 2020 Aug)

SARS-CoV-2 infection of African green monkeys results in mild respiratory disease discernible by PET/CT imaging and shedding of infectious virus from both respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts (plos.org (Hartman A.L., et al., 2020 Sep)

mRNA purification reagents

For purification of synthesized mRNA transcripts the MEGAclear™ Kit is designed for the quick cleanup of any large-scale transcription reaction.

QuantiGene gene expression assays are based on branched DNA (bDNA) technology and allow for direct-from-sample transcriptional profiling without the need for RNA isolation. QuantiGene assays come in single and multiplex format (96 and 384 well) and can analyze up to 80 RNA targets per well.

These assays have been used to develop more reliable and robust parameters for vaccine QC and safety research. With the advent of nucleic acid vaccines such as mRNA vaccines, QuantiGene technology has been used to evaluate the safety of delivery systems and to monitor the biodistribution of these nucleic acids after administration via different routes. These are important aspects to be determined to demonstrate that the safety profiles of these RNA vaccine candidates are comparable to traditional vaccines.

In critical times, vaccine development can’t wait. Rapid development and deployment of a vaccine is vital to protecting populations from further spread of a pathogen.

The Gibco Expi transient expression systems enable you to confidently and consistently get superior yields of your vaccine candidates in the shortest time. Our optimized protein expression systems include cells, media, transfection reagent, enhancers/feed, and a DNA vector to provide a complete solution.

In order to better express the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein for structural studies and eventual development of a potential vaccine, the Expi293 Expression System suite of products for structural biology consists of specially engineered Expi293F cell lines, reagents, and kits to enable:

• Uniform protein glycosylation
• Inducible protein expression
• Protein labeling

These products now add to the versatility of the Expi293 platform as a high-yield solution for structural biology research.

To order, search the Assay ID or Name using our ordering tool:  Search now

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a large selection of cell culture products, including media supplements, sera, transfection reagents, and plastics, enabling a solid foundation for vaccine research and development.

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a large selection of single use equipment and consumables from bench to production scale.  The Single Use Mixers and Single Use Bioreactors can be used with all vaccine types, and help to accelerate facility readiness for manufacturing.

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a large selection of affinity and polish resins enabling consistent product recovery and removal of impurities during vaccine process development and scale-up.

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a large selection of analytical tools to ensure process and product safely during vaccine process development and scale-up.

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a full range of vaccine storage solutions from +8 to -80°C.

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