In 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus caused a pandemic of covid-19 disease. To detect the cellular response induced by infection with this virus, a highly sensitive ELISPOT assay has been developed that detects specific interferon gamma-producing T lymphocytes after stimulation with synthetic peptides derived from viral antigens.
This assay allows the detection of memory T cells directed against the viral spike (S) protein used for vaccination as well as against other viral proteins. This method can be applied to the analysis of the immune response in individuals after covid-19 and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and may thus be used to determine the immune preparedness of emergency workers.