Apr 05, 2021 08:00:00

The latest research reveals that T cells can also recognize mutant strains of the new coronavirus

From the latest survey of people who have once suffered from a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) or who have been vaccinated, '

T cells ', which are a type of lymphocyte, are the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV) It became clear that it recognizes the mutant strain of -2). This suggests that those who have recovered from COVID-19 once and those who have been vaccinated may be able to exert immunity against the violent mutant strain.

T cells recognize recent SARS-CoV-2 variants | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/t-cells-recognize-recent-sars-cov-2-variants

Variants of the new coronavirus that began to appear in the latter half of 2020 were concerned about the risk of infection even for those who had been infected with the new coronavirus or who had been vaccinated by then. Therefore, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is conducting a study to collect blood from 30 subjects who have recovered from COVID-19 once and analyze blood cell samples.

In the survey, the blood CD8 + T cells of subjects who had recovered from COVID-19 infection were SARS-CoV-2 mutants 'B.1.1.7', 'B.1.351', and 'B.1.1.248'. We are investigating whether or not we can recognize the three types. These three mutants are primarily mutated in peplomer proteins that attach to and invade cells. Peplomer mutations have been shown to reduce awareness of T cells and neutralizing antibodies produced by B cells in the immune system after infection or vaccination.

At the time of writing, details regarding the exact levels and composition of antibody and T cell responses required to achieve immunity to SARS-CoV-2 are unknown. However, researchers assume that a strong and broad response from both antibodies and T cells is required for an effective immune response. CD8 + T cells, which play an important role in the immune response, recognize some of the viral proteins present on the surface of infected cells and destroy them to prevent infection with the virus.

As a result of the investigation, it has been clarified that CD8 + T cells can recognize all three variants of SARS-CoV-2. NIAID cautions that 'larger studies are needed,' but 'probably the T cell response of people who have recovered from COVID-19 once and who have been vaccinated has been seen in three mutants. It is almost unaffected by the mutations that occur and should protect the body from new mutations. '

The research group found that optimal immunity to SARS-Cov-2 includes neutralizing antibodies and other responses, as well as various T cells to protect the human body from existing SARS-Cov-2 and new variants. He points out that a cellular response is likely to be required. In addition, monitor the breadth, magnitude, and endurance of T cell responses in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 or who have been vaccinated to determine if additional vaccination is required for the mutant strain. The research group emphasizes the importance of doing.