The immune system’s memory helper T cells which recognise the common cold virus and help the body fight it off, also identifies some parts of the novel coronavirus, according to a study whose findings may explain why some people have milder COVID-19 cases than others. The research, published in the journal Science, noted that the immune system’s memory T cells keep track of the viruses they have seen before, giving the cells a headstart in recognising and fighting off repeat invaders.
However, the scientists, including those from La Jolla Institute (LJI) in the US, cautioned that it is too soon to say whether such pre-existing immune cell memory affects COVID-19 clinical outcomes.
“We have now proven that, in some people, pre-existing T cell memory against common cold coronaviruses can cross-recognise SARS-CoV-2, down to the exact molecular structures,” said Daniela Weiskopf, a co-author of the study from LJI.
“This could help explain why some people show milder symptoms of disease while others get severely sick,” Weiskopf said.
Alessandro Sette, another co-author of the study from LJI, noted that the reactivity of the immune system may translate to different degrees of protection.
“Having a strong T cell response, or a better T cell response may give you the opportunity to mount a much quicker and stronger response,” Sette said.
An earlier study by Sette and his team had shown that 40 to 60 per cent of people who were never exposed to the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 had T cells that reacted to the virus.
According to the study, the immune systems in these individuals recognised fragments of the virus it had never seen before — a finding which was also reported among people in the Netherlands, Germany, Singapore, and the UK.
In the current research, the scientists assessed samples collected from study participants who had never been exposed to SARS-CoV-2.
They defined the exact parts of the virus that are responsible for the cross-reactive T cell response.
Their analysis showed that unexposed individuals can produce a range of memory T cells that are equally reactive against SARS-CoV-2, and four types of common cold coronaviruses.
Based on the finding, the scientists said fighting off a common cold coronavirus could teach the T cell compartment to recognise some parts of SARS-CoV-2 as well. They believe this process provides evidence for the hypothesis that common cold viruses can, in fact, induce cross-reactive T cell memory against SARS-CoV-2. “We knew there was pre-existing reactivity, and this study provides very strong direct molecular evidence that memory T cells can ‘see’ sequences that are very similar between common cold coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2,” Sette said.
The scientists found that while some cross-reactive T cells targeted the SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein — the region of the virus that recognises and binds to human cells — pre-existing immune memory was also directed to other SARS-CoV-2 proteins.
Sette noted that the finding is relevant since most vaccine candidates target the spike protein.
The findings, according to the researchers, suggest the hypothesis that inclusion of additional SARS-CoV-2 targets might enhance the potential to take advantage of this cross reactivity, and could further enhance vaccine potency. (PTI)
How meditation can help during PMS, period pain
Meditation plays an important role in dealing with PMS and pain during menstrual cycle. Spiritual life coach Dr. Priya Kaul mentions a few tips on how meditation can be effective during PMS and menstrual pain.
Period pain affects the abdomen and the lower abdomen region. If one does meditation keeping in mind the sacral chakra, solar plexus with orange and yellow color or normally even focus on the mantra Om, it would help in pain relief. Pain killer can only suppress the pain but meditation releases the pain. Doing meditation regularly can help you get rid of the pain permanently.
It is not easy to focus during anxiety, pain or when one is having cramps. But sitting in comfortable position with mudras, sitting posture, lighting, color, sounds playing very important role when one wants to meditate.
Doing meditation the right way is very important else it would be of no help for the mind and the body. The best way to meditate during such time is to lie- down comfortably with legs straight, keep in mind that legs should not be crossed. The room should peaceful and silent with good fragrant candles and music of around 300 to 535 Hz could be of great help. Mediation can be coupled with smooth tea and some good affirmations.
After 10 minutes of mediation fennel, cinnamon, turmeric in lukewarm water could be of great help. Affirmations like ‘I love my body’, ‘I appreciate my body’, ‘I am getting healed’ from within in a subtle voice and calm tone can give wonderful results. (IANS)
