We developed an ELISPOT assay for evaluating Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)‒specific T-cell responses in dromedary camels. After single modified vaccinia virus Ankara-MERS-S vaccination, seropositive camels showed increased levels of MERS-CoV‒specific T cells and antibodies, indicating suitability of camel vaccinations in disease-endemic areas as a promising approach to control infection.
Keywords: Dubai; ELISPOT assay; MERS-CoV; MVA; MVA expressing full-length MERS-CoV spike protein as antigen; MVA-MERS-S; Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus; T-cell responses; coronavirus; dromedary camels; modified vaccinia virus Ankara; respiratory infections; spike protein; vaccination; viruses; zoonoses.