RAPID RESPONSE TO MITIGATE IMPACTS OF SARS-COV-2 ACROSS FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

<b>Project Methods</b><br> In order to develop methods and assess equipment directed at decreasing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission by aerosols, we will develop a high flow single pass wind tunnel capable to handle BSL-2 coronaviruses. An animal coronavirus surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 will be selected and aerosolized in high titers using a large volume aerosol generator inside the wind tunnel. Air samples will be collected using a large volume air sampler upstream and downstream of the equipment being tested. Samples will be tested and quantified using RT-PCR and virus titration with cell culture. Percent reduction between the upstream and downstream will be calculated and % inactivation efficiency will be reported. Studies will take place in the BSL-2 veterinary isolation rooms of the University campus.Methods to improve the diagnostic of SARS-CoV 2 virus in animals will include quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and whole genome sequencing using next generation sequencing approaches. Methods will be optimized for quick turn around time, and maximum sensitivity and specificity. Methods will also include the optimization of the tests in different samples substracts from animals and the environment.Methods to develop a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 will use a recently patented technology based on a new viral vector called Pichinde virus (PICV). As part of this proposal, a newly engineered PICV-based vaccine that expresses the SARS-CoV-2 surface protein (spike protein S) and/or nucleocapside protein (N), which are known to induce strong humoral and adaptive T-cell responses, will be developed and will assess whether and how well the new vaccines can generate the specific clellular immune responses in vaccinated mice.