[Expert consensus on flow cytometry-based assays for SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells and related operating procedure].

Abstract

T-cell immune response is an important component of antiviral immunity, it is of great significance to determine their absolute counts, relative frequencies and functionalities for evaluating protective immunity in individuals and population. However, there is a lack of guidelines or a consensus on assays for antigen-specific T cells. It is necessary to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells in population during and after COVID-19 epidemic. To standardize the detection method for SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells, the Chinese Society for Immunology organized experts and reached a consensus on the detection method, biomarker combination scheme, technical points of SOP, quality control, data analysis and interpretation of results, personnel training, etc. The consensus is of guiding significance to establish standard detection methods and operating procedures for SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells, which is beneficial for the consistency and comparability of results from different laboratories, and also provides reference for antigen-specific T cell standard detection methods for other pathogens (such as influenza) infection.