QFT-Plus leads the industry with innovative CD8 technology
During M. tuberculosis infection, CD4 T cells play a critical role in immunological control through their secretion of the cytokine IFN-γ (Figure 1). Evidence now also supports a role for CD8 T cells in host defense against M. tuberculosis. CD8 T cells produce IFN-γ and other soluble factors to (1–3):
- Suppress M. tuberculosis growth
- Kill infected cells
- Directly lyse intracellular Mycobacteria
Moreover, research indicates that TB-specific CD8 T cells that produce IFN-γ have been:
- More frequently detected in those with active TB disease vs. latent infection (4, 5)
- Associated with recent exposure to TB (6)
- Detectable in active TB subjects with HIV co-infection and young children (7–9)
Figure 1. QFT-Plus IGRA technology. APC, antigen-presenting cell; MHC, major histocompatibility complex.
Learn more about the technology behind QFT-Plus
Watch Dr. Jeff Boyle, Senior Director of Infection and Immune Diagnostics at QIAGEN, as he describes the development of QFT-Plus and introduces the research support and potential benefits of QFT-Plus CD8 T cell technology. This webinar was recorded in November, 2017.
This video is for informational purposes only. For comprehensive instructions for use, consult the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus Package Insert, which can be downloaded by visiting the QFT-Plus Package Inserts page.
Potential for additional clinical insights
Research studies indicate the potential for additional clinical information based upon the CD8 T cell response to TB infection. For more information, download our research studies flyer below:
QFT-Plus research publications References
1. Turner, J. et al. (1996) Stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with live Mycobacterium bovis BCG activates cytolytic CD8+ T cells in vitro. Immunology 87, 339.
2. Brookes, R.H. et al. (2003) CD8+ T cell-mediated suppression of intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth in activated human microphages. Eur. J. Immunol. 33, 3293.
3. Stenger, S. et al. (1998) An antimicrobial activity of cytolytic T cells mediated by granulysin. Science 282, 121.
4. Day, C.L. et al. (2011) Functional capacity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis specific T cell responses in humans is associated with mycobacterial load. J. Immunol. 187, 2222.
5. Rozot, V. et al. (2013) Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific CD8+ T cells are functionally and phenotypically different between latent infection and active disease. Eur. J. Immunol. 43, 1568.
6. Nikolova, M. et al. (2013) Antigen-specific CD4- and CD8-positive signatures in different phases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Diagn. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 75, 277.
7. Chicchio, T. et al. (2014) Polyfunctional T-cells and effector memory phenotype are associated with active TB in HIV-infected patients. J. Infect. 69, 533.
8. Ongaya, A. et al. (2013) Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific CD8+ T cell recall in convalescing TB subjects with HIV co-infection. Tuberculosis 93, S60.
9. Lanicioni, C. et al. (2012) CD8+ T cells provide an immunologic signature of tuberculosis in young children. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 185, 206.
