This scientific discovery might pave the way for second-generation vaccines, more resistant to coronavirus variants such as Omicron.
The explanations of scientists
A study conducted by researchers at Imperial College London (England) is a step forward in the fight once morest Covid-19. The scientific research have in fact highlighted the immunity developed following infection with the common cold once morest potential contamination with coronavirus. “We have found that high levels of pre-existing T cells, created by the body when infected with other human coronaviruses such as the common cold, can protect once morest Covid-19 infection”, analyzed Dr. Rhia Kundu, lead author of the CNews narrative study. Professor Ajit Lalvani, co-author of the study, went further by explaining that the T cells induced by the coronaviruses of the common cold protect once morest infection SARS-CoV-2.
The prospect of developing new vaccines
L’study started in September 2020 in the UK. The researchers then analyzed the cases of 52 people living with a person infected with the coronavirus, PCR test in support. Each participant underwent three PCR tests (on D-Day, D+4 and D+7) to detect any form of contamination. Results: 26 tests were positive, and 26 others negative. Thanks to this scientific breakthrough, researchers might develop second-generation coronavirus vaccines that are more resistant to variants like Omicron. “Novel vaccines including these internal proteins would therefore induce a T cell response, which should protect once morest current and future variants of SARS-CoV-2”, said Professor Lalvani.
See our file on coronavirus
.