Published ,
Reading 2 mins.
According to researchers from the United Kingdom, the common cold leads to the production of cells capable of also protecting against Covid-19 infection. Interesting results for the design of possible new vaccines.
Does the common cold protect against Covid-19, especially against the Delta and Omicron variants? This is what researchers from theImperial College London (United Kingdom) whose study was published in the journal Nature on January 10, 2022.
Better understand inequality in the face of SARS-CoV-2
“Being exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus does not always lead to infection, and we wanted to understand why. We found that high levels of T cells (T lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that protects the body from infections, editor’s note) pre-existing bacteria, created by the body when infected with other human coronaviruses such as the common cold, may protect against COVID-19 infection” says Dr. Rhia Kundu, lead author of the study.
To carry out their research, 52 people who lived with SARS-CoV-2 positive people were observed. Participants performed PCR tests at the start as well as 4 and 7 days later. In addition, blood samples were taken 1 to 6 days after their exposure to the virus. “This allowed researchers to analyze levels of pre-existing T cells induced by previous coronavirus infections that also recognize SARS-CoV-2 virus proteins” can we read in the study.
A “protective” role against Covid-19
Conclusion: there were levels “significantly higher of these T cells” in the 26 people who were not infected compared to the other half who were infected. “Our study provides the clearest evidence to date that cold coronavirus-induced T cells play a protective role against SARS-CoV-2 infection” reveals Professor Ajit Lalvani, director of the Research Unit on Health Protection from Respiratory Infections and co-author of the study. This could be important information for the design of future vaccines. “Alongside our existing effective vaccines targeting spike proteins, these internal proteins offer a new vaccine target that could provide long-lasting protection” he suggests.
Consult a GP online
“The best protection is vaccination”
“Although this is an important discovery, it is only a form of protection, and I want to stress that no one should rely on this alone” warns Dr. Kundu. “The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to be fully vaccinated, including getting a booster shot.”
.
dts1