Special cells with long memories could help produce new treatments for COVID.
A research study by the Doherty Institute has found ‘T cells’ that have a memory and can recognize long COVID. These ‘T cells’ can fight infections for almost two years.
‘T cells’ fight infections by killing infected cells and can remember all the cells they have been involved with.
The study found specific ‘T cells’ in 31 people in the research sample. These cells could maintain protective activity for two years.
Long COVID is a chronic illness where people who had COVID-19 have symptoms that last for a long time.
It can affect almost every part of the body with extreme fatigue, muscle pain, loss of appetite, sleep problems.
According to Louise Rowntree of the Doherty Institute, these results are good news for the community.
“It’s very positive for someone with long COVID, the ‘T cells’ are a hope,” she told the Australian Associated Press.
The establishment and maintenance of cells over this two-year period protects against subsequent infections, and their responses are very strong after the first vaccination.
The research could help transform treatments and vaccines for patients with long COVID in the future.
“The vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 stimulate both antibody and cellular responses. This is very encouraging, but we need to continue with these types of treatments and vaccines,” Rowntree said.
“If these ‘T cells’ can help protect against virus mutations, then they may offer protection despite virus evolution.”
In June, the Australian Federal Government invested $14.5 million for long COVID research to create better outcomes for the community.
