UK researchers have discovered that cross-reactive memory T cells can offer protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals who have not contracted the disease before. These protecting memory T cells were found to be specific to the non-spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study correlated ex vivo IL-2 response with memory T cells from previous human coronavirus infections.
These T cells were found to be specific to the epitopes of non-spike proteins of the virus that cross-react with human endemic coronaviruses. The study demonstrates that non-spike protein specifically targets ORF1, and nucleocapsid can be utilized for T cell-mediated protection. Study details Key findings In silico findings Identification of 17 HLA allele-binding heterologous epitopes within same 15 regions of spike and nucleocapsid proteins of all three human coronaviruses: HKU-1, OC43, SARS-CoV-2.…
