EUROIMMUN Launches SARS-CoV-2 Test System to Detect T-Cell Response

EUROIMMUN, a PerkinElmer, Inc. (Waltham, MA; USA) company, has launched a SARS-CoV-2 Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) for Research Use Only (RUO) to determine the activity of T-cells reactive to SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen causing COVID-19.

Evidence suggests that both pillars of the immune system, antibody and T-cell response, are important in understanding immunity against SARS-CoV-2 reinfections. IgG antibodies against the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and specific long-lived T-cells are suspected to play the most relevant roles in virus neutralization and sustained immunity.

This novel IGRA uses whole blood samples for determination of T-cell activity against SARS-CoV-2 through detection of interferon gamma, an important signaling molecule of the immune system which is released by the T-cells upon contact with the virus. The detection system is based on the well-established ELISA technology and can be processed manually or automatically in most laboratory settings. For this reason, the assay can be a helpful tool in research studies evaluating the cellular immune response in SARS-CoV-2 infected or vaccinated individuals.

The IGRA for RUO is the latest addition to EUROIMMUN’s comprehensive SARS-CoV-2-specific product portfolio, which includes real-time PCR tests, an antigen detection assay and multiple antibody tests, a dried blood spot solution, as well as automation systems for small, medium and high sample throughput.

“There are still a lot of open questions with respect to the COVID-19 disease progression and the development of long-term immunity after infection or vaccination,” said Dr. Wolfgang Schlumberger, CEO of EUROIMMUN. “In order to help answer these questions, both the IGRA and our Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVacTM ELISA (IgG) allow researchers to study the immune response to the coronavirus much more comprehensively and broadly to learn about vaccine efficacy from different angles.”