Revolutionizing Immune System Analysis
In a groundbreaking development, Oxford Immune Technologies has officially presented the T-SPOT.RESPONSE, a novel test designed to identify the T cell-mediated immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This innovative approach marks a significant advancement in the realm of immune system assessment.
Comprehensive Immune Insights
Traditional serology tests may not always provide a complete picture of an individual’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2. While antibodies play a role, they might not be present in all cases or could diminish rapidly post-infection. On the other hand, T cells have shown to offer a more enduring defense against the virus, even in the absence of a robust antibody response.
Validation Through Clinical Studies
A recent clinical investigation conducted in the United States demonstrated the efficacy of the T-SPOT.RESPONSE test in detecting T cell-mediated immune responses in individuals who had tested positive via PCR, despite negative serology results. This test acts as a complementary tool to serology, providing a more holistic view of an individual’s adaptive immune reaction to the virus.
Reliability and Accuracy
Results from the study revealed a high positive agreement rate of 96.6% in individuals within 60 days of their initial positive PCR test. Even after 60 days, the agreement remained strong at 83.3%, showcasing the test’s enduring effectiveness. Moreover, in a cohort of individuals considered to have a lower risk of infection, the test demonstrated a remarkable negative agreement of 98.0%.
Expert Insights and Innovations
Phill Keefe, the Senior Vice President of Product Design, Development, and Delivery at Oxford Immune Technologies highlighted the significance of T cells and antibodies in understanding disease activity and personal immunity. The development of the T-SPOT.RESPONSE test represents a leap forward in immune response assessment, tailored specifically for detecting T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2.
The Future of Immune Analysis
Dr. Peter Wrighton-Smith, CEO of Oxford Immune Technologies, emphasized the standardized approach of the T-SPOT technology platform in measuring T cells, drawing from over 18 years of clinical use in tuberculosis diagnostics. The potential of determining an individual’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2 opens doors to diverse applications in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
Acquisition Updates
Noteworthy news includes Oxford Immune Technologies’ agreement to be acquired by PerkinElmer. This strategic move is poised to enhance the company’s capabilities and offerings, further strengthening its position in the diagnostic landscape.
About Oxford Immune Technologies
Oxford Immune Technologies is a dynamic diagnostics company dedicated to delivering precise diagnostic solutions to a global audience. With a focus on innovation and accuracy, the company’s T-SPOT technology platform revolutionizes T cell measurements, offering unparalleled insights into immune responses.
Exploring T-SPOT.RESPONSE
Having honed expertise in T cell analysis for nearly two decades, Oxford Immune Technologies has refined the ELISPOT technique into the cutting-edge T-SPOT technology platform. This advanced system enables the measurement of T cell immune responses with heightened sensitivity and precision, setting new standards in immune system evaluation.
The T-SPOT.RESPONSE test features antigen panels meticulously designed to capture T cell reactivity against SARS-CoV-2, offering extensive coverage of critical viral sequences. By leveraging a broad range of peptides and minimizing cross-reactivity, the test ensures a robust and specific assessment of immune responses.
