HKUST research shows that the human T cell immune response can effectively cope with Omi kerong

Hong Kong, January 3 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (hereinafter referred to as "HKUST") said on the 3rd that a study jointly conducted by the university and the University of Melbourne in Australia showed that the new coronavirus Semikron mutation strain is difficult to escape the attack of the human T cell immune response through mutations.

According to the researchers, although Omiqueron contains more genetic mutations than other variants, the T-cell immune response that humans rely on to defend against viruses can still cope with the challenges posed by Omikeron.

The research team analyzed more than 1,500 gene fragments of the new coronavirus protein known as the "epitope" of the new crown virus protein that can be recognized by T cells produced by patients who have recovered from covid-19 and vaccinated people, and found that It is difficult for Omilon to escape the attack of the T cell immune response through mutations.

The researchers said that even if Ami kerong or other variants were able to escape the attack of the human antibody immune response, the human T cell immune response could still protect the body from severe infection.

The team expects that the T-cell immune barrier created by vaccination and boosters will continue to protect humans and reduce the chance of being infected by Ami kerong or other mutant viruses.

The results were published On January 2 in the scientific journal Viruses.