This study investigates the role of cross-reactive memory T cells in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Researchers analyzed immune responses in 52 COVID-19 household contacts, finding higher frequencies of cross-reactive and nucleocapsid-specific IL-2-secreting memory T cells in contacts who remained PCR-negative. This suggests that pre-existing cross-reactive memory T cells, particularly those not targeting the spike protein, may offer protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Publisher
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
Published On
Jan 16, 2022
Authors
Rhia Kundu, Janakan Sam Narean, Lulu Wang, Joseph Fenn, Timesh Pillay, Nieves Derqui Fernandez, Emily Conibear, Aleksandra Koycheva, Megan Davies, Mica Tolosa-Wright, Seran Hakki, Robert Varro, Eimear McDermott, Sarah Hammett, Jessica Cutajar, Ryan S. Thwaites, Eleanor Parker, Carolina Rosadas, Myra McClure, Richard Tedder, Graham P. Taylor, Jake Dunning, Ajit Lalvani
Tags
T cells
SARS-CoV-2
memory cells
COVID-19
immune response
cross-reactivity
protection
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