T cells that respond to Covid-19 6 months after infection, studies show

New studies claim that cellular or “T cell” immunity to Covid-19 is likely to be present in most adults 6 months after primary infection.

A study by the UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium (UK-CIC), UK Public Health Services, and the University of Manchester NHS Foundation Trust found a “strong T-cell response” to the coronavirus virus six months after infection.

T cells are part of the immune system that attack cells infected with viruses and other types of pathogens and help other antibody-producing cells in the immune system. Scientists are investigating the response of T cells to coronavirus to capture Covid-19 and see how long the immune response of a recovered individual lasts.

The latest study examined 100 individuals who tested positive for the coronavirus in March and April 2020 but were not hospitalized for the virus. The study states that all 100 people experienced mild or moderate symptoms or were asymptomatic (56 vs. 44).

Serum samples were collected monthly to measure antibody levels and blood samples were taken 6 months later to evaluate the cellular (T cell) response to the virus.

Various analyzes have been performed to assess different aspects of the T cell response, such as the magnitude of the response and the response of the virus to different proteins, the study said.

“All individuals had a T-cell response 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection,” he said. “It shows that strong cell memory against the virus lasts for at least 6 months.” ..

However, the study found that “the size of the T cell response varies from individual to individual and is significantly (50%) higher in those who experienced symptomatological disease at the time of infection 6 months ago.” This study has not yet been published or peer reviewed.