A “SIGNIFICANT number” of Britons are naturally immune to the coronavirus, NEVER being infected, a senior scientist said.
Sir John Bell, a professor of medicine at Oxford University, said that a large number of the population is likely to already have a “background level” of protection against Covid-19.
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Research has shown that being infected with other coronaviruses, such as the common cold, may offer some protection against the new bug.
Recent studies have found that a separate part of the immune system, known as T cells, was already in the blood of some patients who had recovered from Covid.
Similar to antibodies, they are made in response to infection, and remain afterward, suggesting that previous exposure to other coronaviruses had somehow prepared their T cells to recognize and attack Covid-19.
They are believed to be responsible for stopping the virus in people who never show symptoms.
But more importantly, those T cells die in older people, which could explain why the elderly are at increased risk for serious disease.
T cell protection
Sir John, who heads a team developing a vaccine at Oxford, told the Commons science and technology selection committee that these T cells could be found in “a significant number of people.”
“What seems clear is that you have a cross reaction of T cells that are activated by standard endemic coronaviruses,” he said.
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“I think they are present in quite a significant number of people.
“Therefore, there is likely to be background T cell immunity in people before they see the coronavirus, and that may be relevant to many people contracting a fairly asymptomatic disease.”
“Those T cells get a little tired once you’re over 65 and may not be as effective at killing a virus, so that may explain a number of different characteristics of the disease.”
The vaccine developed by his team has been found to increase T cell response and stimulate antibodies.
But the research suggests that many more people may already have some protection, so collective immunity may be easier and faster to establish, the Telegraph reported.
Professor Sarah Gilbert, from the vaccine team, said: “We may be underestimating natural or already acquired immunity to this virus, and we really need to monitor it.”
“There is certainly evidence that people who have been infected with Covid-19 have not developed antibodies, but have developed a T-cell response, and that could protect them against another infection.”
“I think you should have an open mind about whether you have a large number of people who have protective T cells in the absence of antibodies.”
‘Prepare for the worst’
Sir John also warned that the UK must “prepare for the worst” this winter, rather than relying on the development of a successful coronavirus vaccine.
His comments came in response to Greg Clark, chairman of the Select Committee on Science and Technology, who asked if the country should prepare for winter without a vaccine, or if one could be ready on time.
Sir John said: “This whole epidemic has been based too much on assumptions that have turned out not to be true.
“So my strong advice is to be prepared for the worst.”
My strong advice is to be prepared for the worst
Sir John Bell
Parliamentarians also heard that it could be chaotic in hospitals if the UK sees a resurgence of the coronavirus this winter, coupled with a severe flu season.
Sir John said it was therefore important to make sure that people received the flu shot.
He explained, “I think one of the things that clinical staff in hospitals are concerned about is if we have a significant flu season.
“Then we will have a small clinical problem if we also have Covid running sideways, because people with severe pneumonia with fever and all the usual things will come, and it will be a pandemonium in the A&E departments.
“So what I hope is that, firstly, we ideally expand the number of people who get flu shots to get better coverage, and secondly, we strive to make sure that people are compliant and participate in programs flu shot. “
“Acceptance is woefully small in some countries and I think we are no longer playing.
“This could be really serious if people don’t get their vaccines.”
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Kate Bingham, chair of the UK Vaccine Taskforce, told the committee that while she was optimistic that a vaccine would be developed, in the short term it could be one that reduces the severity of the disease, rather than preventing people from getting it. . .
When asked when a vaccine might be available, he said perhaps early next year, depending on the success of the clinical trials.
Professor Gilbert told the committee that she hoped her vaccine could be ready sooner, but that it relied on trials showing efficacy, and that she could not establish a time frame.
