Scientists at Cardiff University have uncovered a way of “fine-tuning” the body’s immune response to viral infections at the level of individual T-cells.
T-cells play a crucial role in how the body responds to infection – and have become a key focus for scientists during the COVID-19 pandemic as they hunt for ways to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
In this study, the researchers uncovered more about how these cells and their receptors work, which could help vaccine designers to perfect the immune response.
Their findings are published in PNAS, the official journal of the US National Academy of Sciences.
Lead author Dr Mathew Clement, a research associate from Cardiff University’s School of Medicine, said: “Our study suggests the immune system can be specifically adjusted – or fine-tuned – at the level of individual T-cells to produce the most effective immune response possible – but while crucially avoiding any damage to the body, a process known as autoimmunity.
“We have all seen how vital vaccines are in the fight against COVID-19 – our work could help in efforts to create the most effective possible T-cell-mediated vaccine which offers just the right strength of immune response; not too weak that it is rendered ineffective but also not too strong that it hurts the body.”
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Study Paper:
