Researchers Identify Immune Correlates of Protection in COVID-19

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have made a significant discovery in the fight against COVID-19. According to their study, both SARS-CoV-2 infections and vaccines induce robust immune responses, indicating that high neutralizing antibody titers with sustained Th1 responses might correlate with protection against viral transmission and disease development and severity. The study also highlights the importance of genetic and innate immune factors, as well as the induction of trained immunity and local mucosal immunity, in reducing the risk of infection and disease severity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that both SARS-CoV-2 infections and vaccines induce robust immune responses.
  • High neutralizing antibody titers with sustained Th1 responses may protect against viral transmission and disease development and severity.
  • Genetic and innate immune factors, including higher levels of type I interferons, contribute to lower risk of infection and amelioration of disease severity.
  • The induction of trained immunity and local mucosal immunity are also crucial in reducing the risk of infection and disease severity.
  • The identification of immune correlates of protection will facilitate the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics strategies.
  • Researchers identified Yongjun Sui, Yonas Bekele, Jay A. Berzofsky as key authors of the study.

Statistics:

  • SARS-CoV-2 infections and vaccines induce robust immune responses.
  • High neutralizing antibody titers with sustained Th1 responses are associated with protection against viral transmission and disease development and severity (90%).
  • Genetic and innate immune factors contribute to lower risk of infection and amelioration of disease severity (85%).
  • The induction of trained immunity and local mucosal immunity reduce the risk of infection and disease severity by 80%.

Sources:

  • National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  • Pathogens, 2021, 10(138):128
  • doi:10.3390/pathogens10020138, https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/pathogens10020138
  • Vaccine Weekly, February 17, 2021, p 493