We evaluated 254 COVID-19 patients longitudinally from early infection and for eight months thereafter and found a predominant broad-based immune memory response. SARS-CoV-2 spike binding and neutralizing antibodies exhibited a bi-phasic decay with an extended half-life of >200 days suggesting the generation of longer-lived plasma cells. In addition, there was a sustained IgG+ memory B cell response, which bodes well for a rapid antibody response upon virus re-exposure. Polyfunctional virus-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were also generated and maintained with an estimated half-life of 200 days. Interestingly, the CD4+ T cell response equally targeted several SARS-CoV-2 proteins, whereas the CD8+ T cell response preferentially targeted the nucleoprotein, highlighting the importance of including the nucleoprotein as a potential vaccine antigen. Taken together, these results suggest that broad and effective immunity may persist long-term in recovered COVID-19 patients.
URL now edited to remove an extraneous character at the end, plus I've quoted most of the abstract with my emphasis. While the B-cell response won't be relevant to many of us, the T-cell response gives us all hope!
Unfortunately we can't know how much our T cells will respond, as the degree of exhaustion varies (as in all things CLL). However, most of us do at least have T cells.
I think those who get numerous infections are more likely to be low in T-cells as well as immune globulins/antibodies. If your body is having trouble making serum proteins like albumin and immune globulin, you likely also see more infections due to lowered ability to make antibodies. I know the most numerous infections in me occurred the year or so after Campath treatments, which was an intense, marrow suppressing therapy that also affected T cells. It wasn't as marrow suppressing as many standard chemotherapy drugs, and it's a targeted treatment, but like other agents it still can affect cells other than the primary targeted ones. I needed full PJP prophylaxis protocol for a year afterwards, and the "breakthrough" shingles and oral herpes infections were from attempts to decrease the dosage of the medication. The MRSA occurred within 6 months of stopping Campath, also.
So IMO if you aren't plagued by a lot of infections generally, you likely are making at least some T-cells if not antibodies.
1) Of particular relevance to our community, it includes an analysis of CD4 and CD8 T cell response. With CLL, our B cell response is often inadequate, but hopefully our T cell response is less impacted.
2) The half life of COVID-19 specific lymphocytes has been determined, showing that typically they last a long time, giving extended protection. Some of the targeted parts of the virus may be less subject to changes in arising variants, which is becoming more important as more and more variants become established through infections (mainly) in non vaccinated folk.
3) The above may be more important in indicating our chances of achieving herd immunity. The reluctance of some to accept vaccination along with a less long lasting response would reduce the likelihood of achieving herd immunity. Without herd immunity, the likelihood of more serious variants arising will be higher, which means our future risk of serious infection would also continue to be a greater concern.
Thank you Neil for explaining it. I understand it now. I do hope the majority of people get the vaccine, and the Hurd immunity come sooner then later. I’m watching my local news as I’m typing. The news is saying the population that’s really falling behind are the kids 12-18. In my county only about 40% have received the vaccine. My 16 year old got her 2nd shot 3weeks ago.
Thanks, I had no idea that any of the vaccines had been approved for the under 18s. Good to be corrected.By the way before I retired, many years ago, I worked for Eastman Kodak, and still have friends in the area around Rochester. Times and fortunes change!
I had a girlfriends grandfather work there 30 years ago his last name was Lacair. I live by Syracuse. I go to Rochester wilmont cancer for my specialist Dr Zent. Kodak was a giant employer in Rochester at one time , I think there still open.
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