Image 1_Mapping the exposome of Zimbabwean preschool-aged children using a novel peptide microarray approach.tif

Characterizing these exposures, or the immunological exposome, is essential for understanding population-specific immune development, susceptibility to infection, and responses to interventions. Here, we present a proof-of-concept study applying a bespoke high-density peptide microarray to map the exposome of Zimbabwean preschool-aged children (PSAC).

Using serum samples from 20 children under five years of age living in a schistosomiasis-endemic area, we profiled IgM and IgG responses against 5,614 peptides representing 280 pathogens, vaccines, allergens, and autoantigens. As internal validation, we used childhood vaccine antigens which the clinical records indicated the children had received. The platform successfully detected antibody responses to all the childhood vaccine antigens represented on the array, demonstrating sensitivities ranging from 87.5–100% for IgM and 61.5–100% for IgG.