Special cells with long memories could help produce new coronavirus treatments on the back of breakthrough Australian research. or signup to continue reading A Doherty Institute study found memory "T cells" that recognise long-COVID can be established and fight subsequent infections for two years. T cells fight viral infections by killing off infected cells and can remember what they have encountered.
The study, which targeted the previously under researched area of long-COVID immunity, found specific T cells within the 31 people examined could maintain their key features over the two-year period. Long-COVID is a chronic condition where people who have caught COVID-19 experience symptoms for an extended period of time. It can affect almost every part of the body through extreme fatigue, muscle pain, reduced appetite, sleep problems and a host of other issues.
Doherty Institute senior research fellow Louise Rowntree said the study was good news for long-COVID sufferers, as it showed their T cells were doing what they are meant to. "It's really positive news for someone with long-COVID ..
. the T cells are establishing and they're maintaining," she told AAP. "The establishment and maintenance of these cells for this two-year period really provides that protection against a subsequent infection and their responses are really good following their first vaccination as well.
" The research could help shape future therapies and vaccines for long-COVID patients. "SARS-CoV-2 vaccines st.