Updated: July 20, 2020 8:12:48 am
The study suggests that there is a pre-existing level of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in the general population, the researchers said. (Figurative)
Scientists from Singapore have discovered specific T-cell immunity for SARS-CoV-2 in recovered patients from Covid-19 and SARS, and also in uninfected individuals. The study is published in Nature.
T cells, along with antibodies, are part of the human immune response against viral infections. T cells directly target and kill infected cells. In the study, specific T cells were found in all subjects who recovered from SARS 17 years ago, and in more than 50% of individuals not infected with SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 evaluated. This suggests that there is a pre-existing level of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in the general population, the researchers said.
They inferred that infection and exposure to coronaviruses induce long-lasting memory T cells, which could help in managing the current pandemic. This could be due to cross-reactive immunity gained from exposure to other coronaviruses, such as those that cause the common cold. The researchers said it is important to understand if this could explain why some people can better control the infection.
– Source: Duke-NUS School of Medicine
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