Recent studies have found that antibodies to the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19 decline rapidly. In other words, immunity to Covi...
Recent studies have found that antibodies to the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19 decline rapidly. In other words, immunity to Covid-19 could likely be lost within months of being infected. This could have implications for vaccine candidates currently undergoing human trials.
Another component of the immune system, T-cells, a type of lymphocyte or white blood cell, is also in focus. Studies have shown evidence of T-cell reactivity against SARS CoV-2 – the novel coronavirus at the centre of the current outbreak – in people unexposed to it.
This has resulted in speculation that these are ‘memory T-cells’, developed after exposure to other coronaviruses that cause the common cold, and could offer protection against SARS CoV-2.
In this interview with Scroll.in, Dr Vineeta Bal, immunologist from the Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research, Pune, explains the complex human immune system, unpacks research on the immune response to SARS CoV-2 and weighs in on claims that Indians have innate immunity against the virus.
What is the difference between innate and adaptive immune systems?
These are the two main components of the immune system. Innate immune system comes into action within minutes of any invasion: be it by a virus or a bacterium or anything. So within minutes of the invader breaking...
