Accuracy of QuantiFERON SARS-CoV-2 research use only assay and characterization of the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-SARS-CoV-2 response: comparison with a homemade interferon-γ release assay

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.07.049
• Publication Date: 2022-07-23T00:43:27Z
• Authors: Alessandra Aiello; Andrea Coppola; Valentina Vanini; Linda Petrone; Gilda Cuzzi; Andrea Salmi; Anna Maria Gerard...; Carla Tortorella; Gina Gualano; Claudio Gasperini; Palma Scolieri; Alessia Beccacece; Serena Vita; Vincenzo Bruzzese; Roberto Lorenzetti; Fabrizio Palmieri; Emanuele Nicastri; Delia Goletti
• Keywords: QuantiFERON; Coronavirus

In this study, we aimed to characterize the SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell response detected by QuantiFERON SARS-CoV-2 research use only assay in terms of accuracy and subsets involved compared with a homemade interferon (IFN)-γ release (IGRA).We evaluated standardized tubes (antigen [Ag]1 Ag2) IGRA quantifying IFN-γ spike peptides (homemade-IGRA-SPIKE test). We mediating specific using flow cytometry.We prospectively enrolled 66 individuals: COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 subjects NO-COVID-19-vaccinated subjects, including healthy donors immunocompromised subjects. The kit 62.1% (41/66) responders. Ag2 tube showed higher quantitative qualitative response. Ag1 was mainly mediated CD4+ cells; CD8+ cells. homemade-IGRA-SPIKE test number responders (52/66, 78.8%) than (P = 0.056). found both subsets, although magnitude rate observed subset.The is A lower test, likely because different peptide composition.