QIAGEN Launches QuantiFERON-EBV RUO Assay to Advance Research on Epstein-Barr Virus Immune Response
QIAGEN, a leading provider of molecular diagnostics, announced the launch of its QuantiFERON-EBV research use only (RUO) assay, designed to support research into Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and related malignancies. EBV is prevalent in over 90% of the global population and increasing medical evidence supports its role in major disease.
The QuantiFERON-EBV RUO assay stimulates a cell-mediated immune response using specific EBV antigens, offering insights into the host’s active immune engagement with the virus. EBV is associated with diseases such as infectious mononucleosis and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), a severe complication after organ transplantation. There’s growing evidence suggesting a connection between EBV and multiple sclerosis, a chronic central nervous system disease affecting millions worldwide. Measuring EBV T-cell responses could aid in understanding MS progression, treatment monitoring, and tailored therapeutic approaches.
“The QuantiFERON-EBV RUO assay represents a significant advancement in our understanding of the complex relationship between EBV and the immune system,” said Jean-Pascal Viola, Senior Vice President at QIAGEN. “It offers insights that can revolutionize patient care across medical fields, including oncology and autoimmune disease.”
The QuantiFERON-EBV RUO assay uses specific EBV nuclear antigen proteins to stimulate lymphocytes in whole blood, offering a complementary approach to traditional EBV tests that focus on viral DNA or antibody detection. The company has also launched numerous other cell-mediated immune response tests, including QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus for tuberculosis, QuantiFERON SARS-CoV-2 for COVID-19, QuantiFERON-CMV for cytomegalovirus, and more. QIAGEN’s QuantiFERON technology detects cell-mediated immune responses from whole blood samples, helping identify specific T-cells in individuals with exposure to infectious agents.