WP5 - The nCoV toolbox and assay development

For SCORE partners (and external stakeholders), it is crucial that standardized tools, materials, assays and basic information on the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle will become available, obtained using standardized protocols. For example, there is the need for a well-characterized standard isolate, a panel of different clinical isolates and reporter-gene expressing viruses, cDNA clones for reverse genetics studies, protein expression constructs, purifiedproteins, antibodies, RNA standards, enzymatic and cell-based assays. WP5 aims to develop this 'SARS-CoV-2  toolbox' of SOPs, assays, protocols, and materials for studying virus replication, identifying inhibitors, and quantifying inhibitor  activity and mode-of-action. These tools will be shared with other WPs (and the scientific community at large stakeholders outside SCORE). The expert knowledge, abundant experience, state-of-the-art tools, and infrastructure already available should ensure a smooth start and high success rate in the development of crucial assays and materials within SCORE.