Кто никогда не подхватит COVID-19

There has been a lot of talk lately that presence of antibodies to coronavirus forever. Moreover, there have already been cases when the same person became ill several times. What to hope for and where to look for protection from the disease that shook the whole world?



Scientists suggest that there is another form of immunity independent of antibodies. The main role is played here. T cells, or T lymphocytes. What it is and why it is being talked about more and more, we will tell you more.

The presence of antibodies to the coronavirus T-lymphocytes is immune cells. Their goal is to identify and get rid of pathogens that affect the cell. They can also destroy already infected cells. How does it work? On the surface of T cells are proteins, they combine with foreign proteins, destroying them.



GettyImages The most important feature of T cells is their longevity. After the disease, they can remain in the body for several years. Because T lymphocytes Increase the long-term memory of the immune systemIt is easier for the body to react to the old pathogen.

So far, scientists are exploring this question and building guesses. First, it turned out that a person may not have antibodies to the coronavirus. But it does have T cells that recognize Covid-19.



GettyImages Second, experiments have shown that some people Immunity before the pandemic began.. To do this, the scientists examined blood samples collected several years ago. Also, T-cells can be in those people who, in principle, had no contact with the virus.

To understand how important T cells are, let’s mention a completely different disease. Everyone knows that this syndrome of acquired immune deficiency. As it progresses, the disease destroys most of the T cells. Without proper treatment, this will lead to death.



GettyImages How is immunity formed? If the immune response is normal, the innate immune system first responds to a virus (such as influenza). It's provocative. antibody production a few weeks later. But in parallel with this process, literally on the 4-5th day, T-lymphocytes begin to appear. They are already working to destroy the infected cells.

Because T cells respond to the coronavirus, this can be used in making a vaccine. Oxford University researchers are working on this, and their vaccine has already shown that in addition to antibodies, T cells will be produced. Moreover, the vaccine is already being tested.

The challenge now is to understand exactly how the coronavirus affects T cells. The faster this happens, the more effective a vaccine can be developed.



GettyImages But unfortunately, things aren't so rosy with T lymphocytes. For example, in seriously ill patients, most of them can simply die. In addition, the production of T cells decreases over the years. This is one of the reasons why older people do not cope with the disease.

Presence of antibodies to coronavirus - that's good, of course. Unfortunately, this is not a panacea for everything. Take care of your health, strengthen your immunity. In the cold season, this is especially true. In addition, personal protective equipment and social distance have not been canceled. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!

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