Mass Spectrometry is a technique used in our institution to analyze biological samples at a molecular level, depending on its mass. It is a technology broadly used in different knowledge areas, from physics to biochemistry, through medicine and materials engineering.

The Mass Spectrometry Coalition puts together scientists, companies, and professionals who work with this technique and the types of equipment needed to perform it with different purposes. Lately, this coalition has proposed to its associates to join in setting up different methodologies to reveal pathophysiological and structural information to treat COVID-19.

In this scenario, the Proteomics Unit of the Josep Carreras Institute has joined the coalition. In words of its leader, Carolina de la Torre, "we need to act now by repurposing mass spectrometry resources that are routinely used for disease diagnosis, characterization of complex biopharmaceuticals, and drug discovery, to help tackle SARS-CoV-2 and potential future pandemics."

COVID-19 Mass Spectrometry Coalition wants to be a portal site that allows sharing all methodology used for sample collection, inactivation, processing, and data formatting. One of the principal goals is to have an open dataset that will allow the computational community access to valuable information to determine the mechanisms behind antigen response and aid vaccine development, in silico and in vitro antiviral drug development.

"As countries across the world increase testing and widespread sampling to confirm SARS-CoV-2 exposure and measure immunity, mass spectrometry has a significant role to play, and through these collaborative actions, we will benefit all" concludes De la Torre.