ABSTRACT
COVID-19 has caused a huge health crisis and incalculable damage worldwide. Emerging immune escaping mutants of the virus suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may be persistent in human society like the flu virus and become a long-lasting health threat. The control of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and the development of an effective treatment are imminent. Therefore, it is imperative to find appropriate biomarkers to indicate pathological and physiological. Proteins are performers of life functions and their abundance and modification status can directly reflect the immune status. Post-translational modifications such as glycosylation and phosphorylation have a great impact on the regulation of protein functions. In the studies of SARS, Zika, and H1N1, post-translational modified proteins have shown to be reliable biomarkers. In recent years, mass spectrometry-based proteomics has made great progress due to the development of mass spectrometry technology. A review of research strategies for mass spectrometry-based biomarkers, especially in the application of protein post-translational modifications, is important for the victory of human beings fighting the Covid-19 epidemic. This review summarized the current progress of mass spectrometry-based studies on the PTM status of SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins, particularly in glycosylation and phosphorylation aspect. The challenge and prospect of the application of mass spectrometry in this particular research area were outlined. © 2021, Editorial Board of Journal of Chinese Mass Spectrometry Society. All right reserved.
ABSTRACT
From January 24, 2020 to May 18, 2020, Chaoshan took measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, such as restricting public gatherings, wearing masks, and suspending classes. We explored the effects of these measures on the pathogen spectrum of pediatric respiratory tract infections in Chaoshan. Pharyngeal swab samples were collected from 4075 children hospitalized for respiratory tract infection before (May-December 2019) and after (January-August 2020) the COVID-19 outbreak. We used liquid chip technology to analyze 14 respiratory pathogens. The data were used to explore between-group differences, age-related differences, and seasonal variations in respiratory pathogens. The number of cases in the outbreak group (1222) was 42.8% of that in the pre-outbreak group (2853). Virus-detection rates were similar in the outbreak (48.3%, 590/1222) and pre-outbreak groups (51.5%, 1468/2853;Χ2= 3.446, P = 0.065), while the bacteria-detection rate was significantly lower in the outbreak group (26.2%, 320/1222) than in the pre-outbreak group (44.1%, 1258/2853;Χ2= 115.621, P < 0.05). With increasing age, the proportions of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections decreased, while those of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), and adenovirus (ADV) infections increased. Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP), CMV, and rhinovirus infections peaked in autumn and winter, while RSV infections peaked in summer and winter. We found that the proportion of virus-only detection decreased with age, while the proportion of bacteria-only detection increased with age (Table 2). Anti-COVID-19 measures significantly reduced the number of pediatric hospitalizations for respiratory tract infections, significantly altered the pathogen spectrum of such infections, and decreased the overall detection rates of 14 common respiratory pathogens. The proportion of bacterial, but not viral, infections decreased.