The researchers found that B’s memory cells did not decay – especially those of antibodies to the coronavirus
People who get past COVID-19 have been protected against the novel coronavirus for at least six months, and possibly much longer, according to a study that says the immune system will grow long after disease and may prevent even forms of the virus.
The research, published in the journal Nature, note that antibodies are produced by immune cells that keep them growing, presumably as a result of the spread to remnants of the virus hidden in the gut tissue.
According to the scientists, including those from Rockefeller University in the USA, the study provides the “strongest evidence yet” that the immune system “remembers” the virus. and, surprisingly, continue to improve the quality of antibodies even after the disease has subsided.
They suspect that when patients who have contracted the virus encounter, the response would be both faster and more effective, preventing relapse.
“This is very interesting news. The type of immune response we see here could provide protection for a long time, by allowing the body to respond quickly and effectively to the virus when reappear, ”says Michel C. Nussenzweig, co-author of the study from Rockefeller University.
While antibodies against coronavirus accumulate in the blood plasma for several weeks or months, earlier studies have shown that their levels drop dramatically over time.
However, the researchers showed that instead of making antibodies all the time, the immune system produces B memory cells that recognize the coronavirus, which quickly spreads a new cycle of antibodies when encountered a second time.
Because the novel coronavirus reproduces in the cells of the lungs, upper neck, and small intestine, they suspect that viral fragments left hidden within these cigarettes may be leading to microbiota. memory cell growth B.
In the current study, the scientists studied the antibody responses of 87 people at two time points – one month after infection, and then again six months later.
Although antibodies were still detectable by the six-month point, their numbers had dropped dramatically, with laboratory tests showing that participants’ plasma samples were able to neutralize the virus. reduced fivefold.
In contrast, the researchers found that patients’ B-memory cells – particularly those that produce antibodies against the coronavirus – did not decay.
These cells increased slightly in some cases, the study noted.
The scientists also found that the B memory cells had undergone many cycles of movement even after the disease had resolved.
As a result, the antibodies they produced were significantly more effective than the original ones, the study noted.
According to the researchers, it was better for these antibodies to react tightly to the virus, and would identify even crushed versions of it.
“The total numbers of B memory cells that produced antibodies remained invading the Achilles heel of the virus, known as the receptor-binding domain,” said Christian Gaebler, another co-author of the study.
“That’s good news because these are the ones you need if you come across the virus again,” Gaebler said.