A latest study suggests that T cells, a group of immune cells may have some long-term protection against severe Covid-19 infection. These findings according to a Times of India report are of high significance and may relieve worries that antibodies acquired from illness or vaccination may become less effective over time.
“We will be releasing the data and findings as soon as possible,” an official said, implying that the requirement for a repeat vaccine jab or even a booster dosage may not be as critical if T cells can give some kind of long-term protection.
What are T-cells?
The immune system generates a battalion of T cells that may attack viruses causing illness or discomfort in the body. There are two kinds of T cells- helper and killer.
The killer T cells are those who seek out and destroy virus-infected cells. Other, helper T cells, play a role in the immune system by stimulating the development of antibodies and killer T cells, among other things.
Can they prevent infection?
Because T cells only activate once a virus has invaded the body, they cannot prevent infection. However, they are vital in the treatment of an infection that has already occurred.
In fact, the vaccination also can not prevent the occurrence of infection but protects from severe infection. Thus, it is advised to follow covid norms even after administering the vaccine jabs.
Also Read: WHO asks for a halt on booster shots for Covid delta variant
Can T-cells fight with new Covid variants?
Immunologist Alessandro Sette of the La Jolla Institute for Immunology in California discovered that T cells may be more resistant to new variant threats than antibodies. People infected with SARS-CoV-2 generally produce T cells that target at least 15–20 distinct fragments of coronavirus proteins, according to Sette and colleagues' research.
For how long vaccine works?
According to Dr Anthony Fauci, White House senior medical advisor, the protection provided by Covid vaccinations would eventually decrease over time, mandating booster doses.
Currently, research is being conducted to establish if, when, and who should receive booster injections.
Earlier, WHO requested for a freeze on Covid-19 vaccine booster injections until at least the end of September to address the huge disparities in dosage distribution between wealthy and poor countries.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, has urged nations and companies in charge of vaccine delivery to shift gears and ensure that less rich countries receive more vaccines.