Miltenyi Biotec launches all-in-one kits for stimulation and analysis of SARS-CoV-2‒reactive T cells

Miltenyi Biotec has launched new all-in-one kits for the efficient stimulation and functional analysis of SARS-CoV-2‒reactive T cells. Specifically developed for fast and rapid detection in PBMC samples after stimulation with the SARS-CoV-2 PepTivator^® Peptide Pools, the kits represent decades worth of experience in developing solutions for virus-specific T cell research. Assessing such rare cells is essential for understanding fundamental immunological processes in infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

The SARS-CoV-2 T Cell Analysis Kits (PBMC), human employ an optimized stimulation and staining protocol for comprehensive and precise analysis. In addition, compatibility with 96-well cell culture plates enables analysis of multiple samples in parallel, assessing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets, as well as activation marker and cytokine expression.

“Our new kits will help researchers around the globe to examine T cell immunity towards SARS-CoV-2,” explains Dr. Anne Richter, Senior Manager in the R&D T cell department at Miltenyi Biotec. “Not only is this important for understanding both effective and harmful immune reactions during acute infections, it is fundamental in helping reveal whether or not long-term protection is gained after infection or vaccination.”

The SARS-CoV-2 T Cell Analysis Kits (PBMC), human have been specifically developed and evaluated in cooperation with renowned researchers in the field to rapidly assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2‒reactive T cells in human PBMC samples. The all-in-one kits contain a SARS-CoV-2 PepTivator^® Peptide Pool of choice for efficient stimulation, and an optimized 8-color flow panel (+1 free position) for precise phenotypical characterization of reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In addition, a live/dead marker (Viobility 405/452 Fixable Dye), a positive stimulation control (CytoStim™), Brefeldin A, and all needed buffers are also included. The kits have a capacity for up to 100 tests (10⁸ cells).

SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread despite tremendous progress in grasping the body’s underlying immune response and in developing therapeutic approaches and vaccines. T cell activation has emerged as an important parameter in COVID-19, since these cells are known to execute and control immunological reactions with a repertoire of cytokines, cytotoxic substances, and other mediators. They are therefore prime candidates for valuable information on prior SARS-CoV-2 infections and the quality of the respective immune response, both of which may indicate possible T cell-based protective immunities. Furthermore, given that clinical presentations of COVID-19 are highly variable, monitoring these cells may allow conclusions on disease progression or severity.

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