A recent study, featured in the journal Nature, has shed light on why certain individuals never contract Covid-19, even after exposure. Researchers conducted a groundbreaking experiment where they deliberately exposed healthy volunteers to a pre-Alpha strain of SARS-CoV-2. They discovered that individuals who resist infection exhibit a significantly faster immune response in their nasal tissues compared to those who become ill. This swift response involves the activation of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and a reduction in inflammatory white blood cells, effectively clearing the virus before it can take hold.
Furthermore, the study identified elevated expression of a gene known as HLA-DQA2 in the nasal cells of individuals who are naturally protected against Covid-19.
Professor Christopher Chiu, from the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London, who led the COVID-19 human challenge study, commented, “This paper underscores the importance of advanced, collaborative approaches employed in the world’s first SARS-CoV-2 human challenge study. This ongoing research continues to yield unique insights into the mechanisms by which the immune system defends against infections, insights that are unattainable through other means.”
He added, “Not only will these findings influence the development of future interventions for SARS-CoV-2, but they are also expected to have broader applicability in preparing for future outbreaks and pandemics.”
The study holds promise for the development of new treatments and vaccines that could replicate these natural protective responses against Covid-19.
