Early COVID-19 Antibodies Less Effective Against Contemporary Variants
Australian scientists have discovered that antibodies generated early in the pandemic against initial COVID-19 variants are less effective against contemporary ones, including Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, is one of the most comprehensive on the immune response to COVID-19.
Researchers from the Centenary Institute and the University of Sydney analysed serum from 233 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 between February and October 2020. They found that the immune response to COVID-19 depends on the disease severity and the viral variant. While antibody responses can last up to seven months post-infection, they decrease over time in some individuals.
The study investigated ten COVID-19 strains and variants, including the original Wuhan strain. It highlighted the need for continued vaccine development to keep pace with emerging COVID-19 variants. Interestingly, a rare group of 'super responders' maintained stable and robust antibody levels across all COVID-19 variants.
The study underscores the importance of vaccination in protecting against COVID-19 variants, as it is more effective than natural immunity. As the virus continues to evolve, understanding the immune response to different variants is crucial for developing targeted vaccines and therapies. The collaborative research by Australian scientists aims to develop a nasal vaccine targeting immune defenses in the upper airways.
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