According to new research, children exhibit a robust initial immune response to the coronavirus, however, they are unable to transfer this response to long-lasting memory T cells like adults do. Researchers led by scientists at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have discovered why children
Graphic of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 cells. Credit: Garvan Institute of Medical Research
“Because children haven’t been exposed to many viruses, their immune system is still ‘naive’. And because they don’t develop memory T cells, they are at risk of getting sick when they become reinfected. With each new infectious episode as they get older, there is a risk of their T cells becoming ‘exhausted’ and ineffective, like the T cells in older people. This is why we think it’s important to vaccinate children,” he says.
Infants start with an immune system blank slate, which has a much higher proportion of naïve T cells, the researchers found. As they move through childhood into adulthood and become exposed to more viruses, the naïve T cells are replaced by memory T cells that are locked into making responses to viruses they have seen before.
The researchers sequenced white blood cell samples to analyze T cells in children and adults at the time of acute infection and one month later. Interestingly, the findings point to why older adults can have a kind of immune overreaction to SARS-CoV-2.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'You' Season 4: Penn Badgley Explains Why He Liked THAT Part 2 TwistPenn Badgley explains why he felt like the twist involving Joe and Ed Speleers’ Rhys in YouNetflix Season 4 Part 2 felt refreshing.
Read more »
Drew Barrymore's therapist explains why he quit: 'Chronic self-destructive behaviors'Drew Barrymore's therapist has issued a statement after the TV host told the Los Angeles Times he dropped her because of her drinking habits.
Read more »
Steve Carell Candidly Explains Why He Left The OfficeSteve Carell is explaining why he left The Office, talking about his emotional exit from the sitcom in an interview with his former co-stars.
Read more »
'You' Showrunner Explains Why They Used Taylor Swift's 'Anti-Hero' in Season 4 Finale'You' showrunner Sera Gamble explained why they chose that Taylor Swift song for the season finale.
Read more »