Explained: T cell immunity in recovered Covid and SARS patients

In the study, the specific T cells were found in all subjects who recovered from SARS 17
years ago, and in over 50% of both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 uninfected individuals
tested.

The study suggests that a level of pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 immunity is present in the
general population, the researchers said.

Singapore scientists have uncovered T cell immunity specific to SARS-CoV-2 in recovered
Covid-19 & SARS patients, and also in uninfected individuals. The study is published in
Nature.

T cells, along with antibodies, are part of the human immune response against viral
infections. The T cells directly target and kill infected cells. In the study, the specific T cells
were found in all subjects who recovered from SARS 17 years ago, and in over 50% of both
SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 uninfected individuals tested. This suggests that a level of
pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 immunity is present in the general population, the researchers said.
They inferred that infection and exposure to coronaviruses induces long-lasting memory T
cells, which could help in the management of the current pandemic. This could be due to
cross-reactive immunity obtained from exposure to other coronaviruses, such as those
causing the common cold. The researchers said it is important to understand if this could
explain why some individuals are able to better control the infection.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/t-cell-immunity-in-recovered-covid-and-sarspatients6514138/