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La Jolla Institute for Immunology Researchers Uncover Promising Insights
A groundbreaking study led by scientists at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) has unveiled direct evidence that exposure to common cold coronaviruses can prime T cells to combat SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19. This discovery raises the possibility of harnessing T cells from prior infections to develop vaccines offering broader protection against various coronaviruses.
The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, represents a crucial step in understanding the development and functionality of “cross-reactive” T cells, capable of targeting multiple viruses within the same family. The study utilized an animal model to explore how these T cells, which can fight different but closely related pathogens, develop.
Co-lead researcher Annie Elong Ngono, a Research Instructor at LJI, highlighted the significance of unraveling the immune cells’ development and function. The team’s efforts aim to contribute to the design and enhancement of “pan-coronavirus” vaccines that induce broad and cross-protective responses.
LJI Professor Sujan Shresta emphasized the potential impact of the research on vaccine development, stating, “Our research will help scientists design and improve ‘pan-coronavirus’ vaccines that elicit broad, cross-protective responses.”
T cells typically specialize in targeting specific molecular targets, known as epitopes, belonging to particular pathogens. However, “cross-reactive” T cells play a crucial role in recognizing epitope targets across different yet closely related pathogens, such as various members of the coronavirus family.
The study involved infecting mice with one of the prevalent common cold coronaviruses, OC43, followed by an examination of the T cells produced in response. The researchers observed that the infected mice generated CD4+ “helper” T cells and CD8+ “killer” T cells capable of cross-reacting with SARS-CoV-2. These T cells targeted the same epitopes as those found in humans with exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
In a subsequent model of sequential infection, where OC43 infection was followed by SARS-CoV-2 in these mice, the cross-reactive T cells demonstrated their ability to counteract severe Covid. Mice with prior OC43 exposure exhibited lower SARS-CoV-2 infection levels in their airways, reducing the likelihood of pneumonia and lung damage.
This groundbreaking research opens avenues for developing vaccines designed to leverage the immune memory from previous infections, offering a potential breakthrough in enhancing immunity against a spectrum of coronaviruses. The findings contribute to ongoing efforts to develop more comprehensive and effective strategies to combat Covid-19 and related viral threats.
