Optimisation of SARS-CoV-2 peptide stimulation and measurement of cytokine output by intracellular flow cytometry and bio-plex analysis.

Our study was conducted to optimise a peptide stimulation and an intracellular cytokine staining protocol, alongside Bio-Plex supernatant analysis, for use in patients who had previously contracted SARS-CoV-2 or received vaccination against this virus in a clinical laboratory setting. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell extraction and cryopreservation allowed for cells to be stored long term and enhanced logistical processing of samples. Viability and functionality of cells were analysed by flow cytometric methodology using viability staining monoclonal antibodies conjugated to fluorochromes.