Scientists in Singapore have found specific T-cell immunity to the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in people who have never had it, as well as in those who recovered from SARS 17 years ago. This, according to the researchers, indicates the presence of immunity in the entire population.
T cells, like antibodies, are considered an essential component of immunity to viral infections due to their ability to infect and kill infected cells. Scientists have discovered specific T-cell immunity in people who have recovered from COVID-19 and SARS, as well as in some participants who have never had any of the viruses. writes SciTechDaily.
The study was conducted by scientists at Duke-NUS School of Medicine in collaboration with the National University of Singapore, Singapore General Hospital and the National Center for Infectious Diseases. results published in the scientific journal Nature.
As scientists note, infection and exposure to coronaviruses leads to the formation of long-term T-cell memory, which can help regulate the current pandemic and develop vaccines against COVID-19. Patients who recovered from SARS 17 years ago, after the 2003 outbreak, still possess memory T cells and show cross-immunity to the new coronavirus.
Researchers have found specific T-cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in over 50% of uninfected people. “This could be due to the cross-reactive immunity gained from exposure to other coronaviruses,” says Professor Antonio Bertoletti, member of the Duke-NUS Emerging Infectious Diseases Program.
Scientists plan to conduct more extensive research on uninfected people to see if T cells can protect against COVID-19 or change the course of the disease. They will also explore the potential therapeutic use of SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells.
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