Bio-Techne is Helping Scientists Discover Answers about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19

In late December 2019, a new virulent virus emerged in the Wuhan, Hubei province, China that produced a potentially fatal atypical pneumonia, eventually called COVID-19. It was the third time in the last two decades that an outbreak of a highly infectious agent presented a global threat. Identification and sequencing of the virus responsible for this outbreak determined that it was a novel coronavirus (CoV), which was termed SARS-CoV-2.

Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 showed that it is ~80% identical to SARS-CoV, the CoV responsible for the SARS pandemic in 2002.^1,2 Studies have also shown that it also utilizes the same cell surface receptor as SARS-CoV to gain entry into the host cell, which is Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2). Additionally, the viral spike (S) protein, which binds to ACE-2, needs to be primed by cellular serine proteases such as TMPRSS2.^1,3 This preliminary identification and characterization of SARS-CoV-2 was key for the development of detection assays. It will also help hasten the efforts to develop antiviral therapies. However, much still needs to be learned about this virus, its infection and transmission, and the magnitude of COVID-19. As a leading brand in the life sciences industry, Bio-Techne develops resources to support CoV research, including for SARS-CoV-2 detection, cytokine monitoring, and drug discovery, in order to help the scientific community understand the mechanisms of infection and develop effective treatments. Also, if you need something for SARS-CoV-2 research, but can't find it, or if you need to outsource the production of proteins, antibodies, or immunoassays, contact our Custom Services to find out how we can help you.

 

View selected products for:

Investigating the SARS-CoV-2 Viral Life Cycle

Monitoring the Cytokine Storm

Immune Cell Isolation & Identification

Developing Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Therapies

SARS-CoV-2 Detection

To see the complete list of products we have for researching SARS-CoV-2, download our new Tools to Support Coronavirus Research brochure.

Additionally, read our new ACE-2: The Receptor for SARS-CoV-2 article to see how our products are being used in current SARS-CoV-2 research.

 

 

Products for Investigating SARS-CoV-2 Viral Life Cycle

Cell Culture for Virus Research

Viruses are pathogenic intracellular parasites that require living cells to multiple. Cultured host cells provide a convenient and cost-effective method for cultivating animal viruses. Bio-Techne supports successful cell culture with high quality reagents including media, serum, supplements, extracellular matrices, and basement membrane extracts.

Cell Culture Media
Product	Brand	Catalog #
DMEM, high glucose, no glutamine, no sodium pyruvate
	R&D Systems	M22850
	R&D Systems
RPMI 1640, GlutaminePlus		M30850
RPMI 1640, L-glutamine	R&D Systems	M30150

Fetal Bovine Serum
			Catalog #s
Product	Brand	Volume	Regular	Heat Inactivated
Fetal Bovine Serum – Optima	R&D Systems	50 mL	S12495	S12495H
Fetal Bovine Serum – Optima	R&D Systems	100 mL	S12410	S12410H
Fetal Bovine Serum – Optima	R&D Systems	500 mL	S12450	S12450H
Fetal Bovine Serum - Premium	R&D Systems	50 mL	S11195	S11195H
Fetal Bovine Serum - Premium	R&D Systems	100 mL	S11110	S11110H
Fetal Bovine Serum - Premium	R&D Systems	500 mL	S11150	S11150H
Fetal Bovine Serum - Premium Select	R&D Systems	50 mL	S11595	S11595H
Fetal Bovine Serum - Premium Select	R&D Systems	100 mL	S11510	S11510H
Fetal Bovine Serum - Premium Select	R&D Systems	500 mL	S11550	S11550H

View our Cell Culture page to see all the products we offer to support cell cultures for virus detection, isolation, and research.

SARS-CoV/CoV-2 Products

Since the S protein, ACE-2, and TMPRSS2 have important functions in SARS-CoV-2 replication, it is important to fully understand the role these proteins play in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Bio-Techne offers a variety of reagents to investigate the mechanisms of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle.

To see the complete list of products we have for researching the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, download our new Tools to Support Coronavirus Research brochure.

Molecule	Brand	Catalog #	Species
SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease	R&D Systems	E-611	Virus

Antibodies
Molecule	Brand	Catalog #	Species
SARS Spike Protein	Novus Biologicals	NBP2-24942	Virus
	Novus Biologicals	NBP2-24808	Virus
	Novus Biologicals	NB100-56578	Virus
SARS Nucleocapsid Protein	Novus Biologicals	NB100-56683	Virus
	Novus Biologicals	NBP2-24745	Virus
SARS Envelope Protein	Novus Biologicals	NB100-56562	Virus

View all SARS-CoV/CoV-2 products from Novus Biologicals.

ACE-2 Products

Recombinant Proteins
Molecule	Brand	Catalog #	Species
ACE-2	R&D Systems	933-ZN	Human
	R&D Systems	3437-ZN	Mouse

Antibodies
Molecule	Brand	Catalog #	Species
ACE-2	Novus Biologicals	NBP2-67692	Human, Mouse, Rat
	R&D Systems	AF933	Human
	R&D Systems	AF3437	Mouse

ELISAs
Molecule	Brand	Catalog #	Species
ACE-2	Novus Biologicals	NBP2-66387	Human
	Novus Biologicals	NBP2-78734	Human

View all ACE-2 products from R&D Systems.
View all ACE-2 products from Novus Biologicals.

TMPRSS2 Products

Recombinant Proteins
Molecule	Brand	Catalog #	Species
TMPRSS2	Novus Biologicals	H00007113-Q01	Human

Antibodies
Molecule	Brand	Catalog #	Species
TMPRSS2	Novus Biologicals	NBP1-20984	Human

Small Molecule Inhibitors
Product	Brand	Catalog #
Camostat mesylate	Tocris	3193

View all TMPRSS2 products from Novus Biologicals.

Products for Monitoring the Cytokine Storm Resulting from SARS-CoV-2 Infection

It has been reported that severe and critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 often have elevated inflammatory factors. Similarly, overactivation of the immune system during viral infections can lead to the excessive production of immune cells and inflammatory cytokines, a process commonly referred to as a cytokine storm. Therefore, analysis of inflammatory factors in severe patients may be used to monitor disease progression, disease trends, evaluate prognosis, and guide therapy. Bio-Techne is the leader in this field. Our R&D Systems^® brand antibodies and proteins are the core of every Bio-Techne immunoassay platform. Backed by over 68,000 citations and the expertise behind the gold-standard Quantikine^® ELISAs, our immunoassays can be trusted to deliver reliable results the first time and every time.

Simple Plex^™ Assays - Biological Phenotyping in Real-Time

When researching an acute and deadly disease, speed and data quality are key. Simple Plex assays are highly sensitive, reproducible and completely automated immunoassays that will transform your research possibilities. Run on the Ella^™ platform, these novel assays split just 25 µL of sample volume across isolated microfluidic channels, allowing for the analysis of multiple analytes with no risk of cross-reactivity. Customize your own multianalyte panel, or measure single analytes, by choosing from our extensive menu of assays. With the benefits of full automation, preloaded reagents, and factory calibration curves, Simple Plex assays on Ella provide speed, efficiency and high-quality sample data to support the rapid detection of a viral-induced immunologic response.

• Walk-away automated system, easy to use, minimal training
• Results in 70 minutes, with minimal sample preparation
• Waste contained in the cartridge
• Full LIMS integration
• Highly reproducible
• Rapid high-quality data for faster decisions

Ella COVID-19 Package

A new 16x4 multianalyte cartridge is now available for the rapid analysis of key inflammatory markers. This panel of analytes has been put together in collaboration with, and per the request of Mt. Sinai Hospital (New York), and the Spallanzani Hospital & National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Italy (Rome).

COVID-19 Cytokine Analysis Panel
Product Code	Analytes Detected
SPCKA-PS-003229	IL-1β/IL-1F2, IL-6, IL-8/CXCL8, TNF-α

Along with this panel, we are offering researchers in this space the Ella platform and everything you need to get your experiments started straightaway. This package includes:

• The Ella Immunoassay Platform with Laptop
• 21 CFR Part 11 Software Toolset
• One Year Platinum Service
• Free Application Science Training
• 5x COVID-19 Cytokine Panel Cartridges

Visit the ProteinSimple website to learn more about the Ella COVID-19 Package and request a quote.

Additional Bio-Techne Immunoassay Platforms for Monitoring the Cytokine Storm

In addition to Simple Plex Assays, Bio-Techne offers a range of immunoassay platforms for monitoring cytokine responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Whether you need qualitative or quantitative results, have limited or abundant sample, require single or multianalyte analysis, you will be able to find an optimal solution at Bio-Techne for detecting cytokines in your samples. Learn more about the Immunoassay Solutions we offer.

Immunoassay Platform
	Proteome Profiler™ Array	Luminex® Assay	Quantikine® ELISA	DuoSet® ELISA	Simple Western™ Assay
CCL2/MCP-1	✓	✓	✓	✓
CCL3/MIP-1α	✓	✓	✓	✓
CXCL10/IP-10	✓	✓	✓	✓
G-CSF	✓	✓	✓	✓
IL-1β/IL-1F2	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
IL-2	✓	✓	✓	✓
IL-6	✓	✓	✓	✓
IL-8/CXCL8	✓	✓	✓	✓
IL-10	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
TNF-α	✓	✓	✓	✓

Products for Immune Cell Isolation & Identification for Investigating SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Immune cell isolation and culture are necessary for both the basic research of immune cell functions during SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as for expanding specific immune cell populations for therapeutic purposes. Bio-Techne is focused on providing the highest quality reagents for isolating, differentiating, and identifying immune cells.

R&D Systems^® MagCellect^™ Immune Cell Selection Kits

Product	Species	Catalog #
CD14+ Cell Isolation Kit	Human	MAGH105
CD45+ Cell Isolation Kit	Human	MAGH125
CD3+ T Cell Isolation Kit	Human	MAGH101
Naïve CD4+ T Cell Isolation Kit	Human	MAGH115
CD4+ T Cell Isolation Kit	Human	MAGH102
Memory CD4+ T Cell Isolation Kit	Human	MAGH116
Naïve CD8+ T Cell Isolation Kit	Mouse	MAGM207
CD8+ T Cell Isolation Kit	Human	MAGH112
Natural Killer Cell Isolation Kit	Human	MAGH109

Learn more about the MagCellect Cell Selection Kits from R&D Systems.

R&D Systems^® Kits for Immune Cell Differentiation or Expansion

Product	Species	Catalog #
CellXVivo™ Dendritic Cell Differentiation  Kit	Mouse	CDK008
CellXVivo™ M1 Macrophage Differentiation Kit	Human	CDK012
CellXVivo™ M2 Macrophage Differentiation Kit	Human	CDK013
CellXVivo™ Monocyte-derived DC Differentiation	Human	CDK004
Cloudz™ Natural Killer Cell Expansion Kit	Human	CLD004
CellXVivo™ Natural Killer Cell Expansion Kit	Human	CDK015
CellXVivo™ Th1 Cell Differentiation Kit	Mouse	CDK017

Learn more about the CellXVivo  and Cloudz kits from R&D Systems.

View R&D Systems Immune Cell Culture page to see all the products we have for culturing isolated immune cells.

Flow Cytometry-Validated Antibodies for Immune Cell Identification

Flow cytometry is widely used to identify and characterize different immune cell types in heterogeneous samples. Bio-Techne offers an unparalleled selection of fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies qualified for flow cytometry from our R&D Systems^™ and Novus Biologicals^™ brands that can be used to detect markers on different immune cell types.

Tools for Developing Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Therapies

Tocriscreen™ Compound Libraries for Identifying Compounds that Target SARS-CoV-2

Tocris offers Tocriscreen Compound Libraries, which are collections of compounds that can be used in screening assays, to help with the development of novel therapeutics against COVID-19. Tocriscreen 2.0 Max, Mini, and Micro compound libraries consist of 1280 compounds, covering multiple pharmacological target.

In addition, a new Tocriscreen Library of 190 FDA-Approved Drugs is to be released soon. This library of compounds will be ideal for screening assays for drug repurposing.

Visit the Tocris website to learn more about these Tocriscreen Compound Libraries.

Products for Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Organoid Research

Several research projects have been initiated to investigate the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a treatment option for the adverse effects caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Bio-Techne offers workflow solutions for MSC research. View the R&D Systems™ MSC resource page to see all of the products we have for the isolation and culture, verification, differentiation , and investigation of MSCs.

Additionally, using lung organoids to simulate the pulmonary environment can provide a more accurate evaluation of drug efficacy. Visit our Organoid Resource page on the R&D Systems website to view all of the reagents and technical resources we have, including webinars, protocols, and recipes, to help researchers build consistent lung organoid cultures.

TcBuster^™: Fast and Flexible Stable Cell Line Development for Vaccine Production

Development of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is the most effective way to prevent future infections. The urgency for such a remedy is driving research into available approaches for vaccine development. Stable expression cell-based systems can offer a faster and more reliable strategy for vaccine production. Novel production systems using mammalian or insect cell cultures will be needed to overcome the limitations of current stable cell line systems in order to produce large amounts of vaccine as quickly as possible.

TcBuster^™, the transposon gene-editing system from Bio-Techne’s B-MoGen brand, can accelerate the development and production of your protein subunit or virus-like particle vaccine by giving you a stable cell population in as little as three weeks, and clonal cultures in six weeks. The generation of stable over-expressing cell lines using our system offers several advantages:

• A faster, stable cell line generation than when using virus-mediated, CRISPR and plasmid systems alone
• Stable integration of multiple transgenes in one transfection
• Higher protein-producing clones compared to stable cells created by site-specific integration
• A high integration rate that facilitates identification of a high producing clone
• Sizable protein yields produced from mammalian, chicken and insect cell lines

Visit the B-MoGen website to learn more.

Instrumentation for Vaccine Development and Production

From early stage research to vaccine release, Bio-Techne is home to a number of innovative and market-leading technologies that can support development and quality control of a COVID-19 vaccine. Our ProteinSimple™ instrumentation can be used throughout the vaccine development process.

	ProteinSimple Instrumentation
	Single-Cell Western	Simple Western™	Micro-Flow Imaging	icIEF and     CE-SDS	Simple Plex™
Cell Line Development	✓	✓	✓		✓
Strain Selection	✓	✓
Analytical Development		✓	✓	✓	✓
Cell Bank Development	✓
Upstream Process Development		✓	✓		✓
GLP Substance Production			✓
Formulation Development		✓	✓	✓	✓
Process Characterization			✓	✓
Validation/Documentation				✓
GMP Batch Production				✓
Stability Studies		✓	✓	✓

Visit the ProteinSimple website to learn more about these innovative technologies. Additionally, learn more about the top-quality GMP grade reagents and custom services we offer for your biologics product. We have an extensive product selection for the clinical grade manufacture of growth factors, monoclonal antibodies, and conjugates.

SARS-CoV-2 Detection

Serological Analysis

Serological analysis detects antibody responses initiated by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Because SARS-CoV-2 is a new human infectious agent, strain specific antibodies are not commonly present in the population.

Serology Test for SARS-CoV-2
Product	Brand	Catalog #	Description
COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Kit	Novus Biologicals	NBP2-89106	Chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of IgG and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in human whole blood, serum, or plasma

The R&D Systems and Novus Biologicals brands also offers a range of secondary antibodies that can be used to develop ELISAs for the detection of serum IgG and IgM antibodies.

SARS-CoV-2 Detection Using RNAscope^™

RNAscope assays enable researchers to study SARS-CoV-2 infections in host tissues by fluorescent in situ hybridization (ISH). Recently, ACD designed RNAscope probes from the SARS-CoV-2 genome (see below). In addition, target probes for examining different regions of interest can be made-to-order. Visit the ACD website to learn more about RNAscope for viral pathogenesis research.

Catalog #	Probe Name	Description
848561	RNAscope Probe - V-nCoV2019-S	Designed to specifically detect the Spike (S) protein of the Novel Coronavirus to avoid cross detection of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, other coronaviruses, Ebola virus or HIV.
845701	RNAscope Probe - V-nCoV2019-S-sense	A "sense" probe designed to target the antisense strand of the S gene, which can be used to visualize viral replication in individual cells.
848151	RNAscope Probe - Hs-ACE2	Provides highly sensitive detection of ACE2 expression in cells and tissue sections.
470341	RNAscope Probe - Hs-TMPRSS2	Detects TMPRSS2.

Exosome Analysis with ExosomeDx^™

Exosome Diagnostics (ExosomeDx) is the clinical diagnostic laboratory service of Bio-Techne. It is focused on the development and commercialization of revolutionary biofluid-based diagnostics to deliver personalized precision healthcare that improves lives using exosome analysis. Exosomes are small lipid vesicles that are very similar in structure to enveloped viruses like the coronavirus. ExosomeDx has clinical laboratories for high complexity testing in both the United States (Waltham, MA) and Europe (Munich, Germany). The Waltham CLIA lab is New York state-certified, ISO15189, and has a BSL-2 environment devoted to performing diagnostic testing from a range of different biofluids.

The ExosomeDx platform can yield comprehensive and dynamic molecular insights to transform how diseases are diagnosed, treated, and monitored. To aid with this SARS-CoV2 crisis, we have pivoted resources to help solve the current lack of diagnostic testing. We are available to partner with major health care systems, researchers, and providers to leverage our expertise by developing and performing assays such as:

• SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic qPCR testing
• SARS-CoV serology assays
• Novel RNA biomarkers in plasma to monitor drug treatment and disease-associated responses with complete RNA profiling 

Visit the Exosomedx website to learn more.

References

1. Zhou, P. et al. (2020) Nature [Epub ahead of print].
2. Lu, R. et al. (2020) Lancet. 395:565.
3. Hoffmann, M. et al. (2020) Cell [Epub ahead of print].