Exposure to harmless coronaviruses boosts immunity against COVID-19: Study


PTI, Nov 24, 2021, 1:12 PM IST

Geneva: People who have had strong immune response to other human coronaviruses may also have some protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, according to a study.

The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, used a specially developed test to analyse antibody levels against four other human coronaviruses in 825 blood samples taken before SARS-CoV-2 emerged.

The researchers also examined 389 samples from donors infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Combining these analyses with computer-based models enabled the team to precisely predict how well the antibodies would bind to and neutralise invading viruses.

The study found that people who caught SARS-CoV-2 had lower levels of antibodies against coronaviruses that cause common colds compared to uninfected people.

Those with high levels of antibodies against harmless coronaviruses were less likely to have been hospitalised after catching SARS-CoV-2, the researchers said.

”Our study shows that a strong antibody response to human coronaviruses increases the level of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2,” said Alexandra Trkola from the University of Zurich (UZH) in Switzerland.

”So someone who has gained immunity to harmless coronaviruses is therefore also better protected against severe SARS-CoV-2 infections,” she said.

The researchers noted that this type of immune response is referred to as cross-reactivity, and it also occurs with T cell responses, the additional line of the immune system in the defence against infections.

People are only fully protected against SARS-CoV-2 shortly after they have recovered from an infection or have received an effective vaccination.

This is when antibody levels against the virus are still very high, the researchers said.

As these levels drop over time, infection is no longer prevented, but the immunological memory quickly reactivates the body’s defences, the production of antibodies as well as the T cell defence, they said.

”Of course, immune responses targeting SARS-CoV-2 that are mounted by the memory cells are far more effective than cross-reactive responses,” said Trkola.

”But even though the protection isn’t absolute, cross-reactive immune responses shorten the infection and reduce its severity. And this is exactly what is also achieved through vaccination, just much, much more efficiently,” she explained.

The researchers noted that it is not yet known whether this cross-reactivity also works in the opposite direction.

Whether immunity to SARS-CoV-2 — achieved through vaccination, for example — also offers protection against other human coronaviruses still needs to be elucidated, they said.

”If SARS-CoV-2 immunity also offers some degree of protection from infection with other coronaviruses, we would be a significant step closer to achieving comprehensive protection against other coronaviruses, including any new variants,” the virologist added.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Centre meeting floor leaders of political parties on Sunday ahead of Parliament Session

21 women among 288 winning candidates in Maharashtra; only 1 from oppn side

Main accused in Delhi Police constable murder shot dead in Sangam Vihar

COP29: India rejects new USD 300 billion climate finance deal

Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 | Congress chief Nana Patole scrapes through in Sakoli, wins by 208 votes

Waqf land dispute: Kerala CM assures no body will be evicted from Munambam

Government launches Haj Suvidha App 2.0 for ease of pilgrims

Related Articles More

Mangaluru: Campco opposes WHO’s claim of arecanut being carcinogenic

10 month baby gets new heart, new life

World COPD Day: Know your lung function

As Delhi chokes with dangerous pollution levels, doctors warn of health risks for all

World Diabetes Day 2024: Kasturba Hospital Manipal Hosts Zumba Session at Malpe Beach to Raise Diabetes Awareness

MUST WATCH

Prakash Belawadi

Naxal Leader Vikram Gowda

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar

Rose Cultivation


Latest Additions

Centre meeting floor leaders of political parties on Sunday ahead of Parliament Session

Charmadi Ghat highway set for widening: Work likely to begin in January 2025

Sena vs Sena: Shinde’s party defeats Uddhav’s outfit in 36 constituencies, loses in 14

21 women among 288 winning candidates in Maharashtra; only 1 from oppn side

Myntra pilots foray into quick commerce with ‘M-Now’ in select locations of Bengaluru

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.