Updated on 03/08/2022 06:47
- In the UK, as part of an experiment, young, healthy people were specifically exposed to the corona virus.
- However, only half of the volunteers became infected.
- Researchers have now investigated why this could be.
In an experiment in Great Britain last year, 36 volunteers aged 19 to 29 were targeted Coronavirus exposed. The test subjects had not been vaccinated against the virus, nor had they been previously infected. On this so-called human challenge study A discussion and critical voices followed. The scientists are now publishing their first results – but still untested.
Small amounts of a virus variant were dripped into the nose of the test persons. Then they kept coming back to that Virus tested and stayed at the Royal Free Hospital in London for two weeks to be under medical supervision. The test subjects will now be followed up by the research team for twelve months.
Of the 36 volunteers, 18 were infected SARS-CoV-2. 17 had mild to moderate cold-like symptoms. In addition, some suffered from headaches, muscle or joint pain, fever or tiredness. 12 test subjects stated that their sense of smell was impaired. In seven cases, the symptoms disappeared within six months – in isolated cases they stayed longer.
Why didn’t everyone get infected?
16 of the volunteers did not become infected with the corona virus. Christopher Chiu explains this to the “Guardian”.that virus levels had not risen high enough to trigger detectable levels of antibodies, T cells, or inflammatory factors in the blood.
From another study shows that some people fight off the virus so early that they never test positive or develop symptoms. Genetic peculiarities can also be the reason for this. Every person is genetically a little different from others, explained Hortense Slevogt, infectiologist at the University Hospital in Jena “Mirror” interview (Paid content).
also read: Why don’t some people get infected with SARS-CoV-2? Researchers find clues
Preexisting immunity
In addition to genetic peculiarities, an existing immunity against related pathogens could also be a reason. In such a case, the immune system of these people would already be prepared to fight the infection. Because: “The conventional cold coronaviruses are similar to SARS-CoV-2,” explained Juliane Walz from the University Hospital in Tübingen in conversation with the “mirror” and referred to T cells in this context. T cells create an immunological memory that is able to recognize and fight pathogens – even years after an infection or vaccination. They render infected cells in the body harmless and thus prevent a virus from spreading further. In contrast to antibodies, T cells offer good protection against serious diseases because they are less “choosy”.
Human Challenge Study: Continuing Despite Controversial Evidence
The British team led by Christopher Chiu wants to further investigate the connection between genes and the risk of infection and disease, as the “mirror” reports. Further human challenge studies with other virus variants, such as Delta, are planned. However, this is not supported by all scientists.
For example, the bioethicist Seema Shah explained the journal “Nature”, the study reads like a promise that there will ultimately be significant scientific and social benefits. However, this is not yet really apparent. In addition, the small number of test persons leads to a lower significance. In addition, as more and more people are vaccinated or recovered, human challenge trials are becoming increasingly difficult to implement.
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