Research: Efficacy of ‘T cells’ in fighting Omicron confirmed
Australian researchers said that when antibodies cannot cope, the human body has a second line of defense against the Omicron variant of the new type of coronavirus (Covid-19).
The study, led by researchers from the University of Melbourne and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, showed that the second line of defense is ‘T cells’, a type of white blood cell that originates in the bone marrow and is an important component of the immune system, The Guardian reported.
Omicron contains more mutations than other variants of the coronavirus. This means it can evade antibodies from vaccination or previous exposure to the virus. According to the research, T cells in this case are capable and effective at fighting these mutations.
The research team examined fragments of coronavirus proteins from vaccinated or infected patients.
It was stated that half of the viral proteins containing the omicron mutation can be seen by T cells.
Ahmet Abdulkadir, a researcher at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), who participated in the research, said in a statement on the subject, “This reduces the chance of Omikron to evade T-cell defenses.”
However, it was stated that the T cell alone does not prevent infection or transmission, but prevents the disease from reaching serious dimensions.
On the other hand, Prof. from the University of Melbourne, who participated in the research. Matthew McKay said the research carried “good news”.
“Even if the omycron or another variant can evade the antibody, a strong T-cell response can be expected to protect the body and help prevent serious symptoms,” McKay said.
Saying that they expected this response of the T cell by vaccines and boosters, based on the data, McKay said that the cell would help protect against Omicron like other variants. The professor also noted that they believe these developments provide positive news in the global fight against Omikron.
