For this study, the researchers observed several foci where cases of coronavirus had been detected. They then analyzed whether the contamination had spread to other family members. It turned out that this was not always the case and that some individuals continued to show negative PCR tests.
“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 against infection with COVID-19”, explains Dr Rhia Kundu, co-author of the study with Sky News.
Even though the researchers believe this is an “important discovery” in the fight against the coronavirus, they continue to stress the importance of vaccination: “It remains the best way to protect yourself against Covid- 19 “, they say. Moreover, it would be a “burner error”, according to them, to think that anyone who has recently caught a cold is automatically protected. Indeed, they remind us that coronaviruses only represent 10 to 15% of colds.
This study could nevertheless provide invaluable help in the design of future vaccines. She teaches us that T cells attack proteins inside the coronavirus and not the “spike” protein outside, which the virus uses to enter our cells. The vaccines currently on the market target precisely this famous protein. In the future, it is therefore possible that more effective vaccines will emerge thanks to this discovery.
The link to the full study: here