The role played by anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is not yet fully understood. We know already that they are able to neutralize the virus (i.e. they attach themselves to the pathogen to prevent it from functioning) but so far we born did not know if they couldintalso “mark” the virus so that it can be destroy by killer cells (NK lymphocytes for “Natural Killer”), severe cases manifested precisely by a runaway immune system.
A study coordinated by the Institut Pasteur with the CNRS and Inserm provides proof of thisAntiviral activity of antibodies, in addition to the neutralizing activity.“By studying cultures in real time using video microscopy, researchers have shown that NK cells, in the presence of antibodies, can kill infected cells, demonstrating new antiviral activity of the antibodies.“, precise the press release.
“This study has shown that individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 have antibodies capable of attacking the virus in different ways, by preventing it from entering cells (neutralization) or by killing infected cells through activation of NK cells (via the ADCC function). We are therefore talking about polyfunctional antibodies“, explains Timothée Bruel, co-lead author of the study and researcher in the Viruses and Immunity unit at the Institut Pasteur.
With or without symptoms, antibodies retain both functions
Almost half of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 do not develop symptoms. But do asymptomatics still develop an immunity of the same nature as that of symptomatic patients?
To answer this question, scientists have studied sera from patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic forms of Covid-19. The study, which is the subject of a publication in the review VSell Reports Medicine, this April 21, 2021, shows that theAsymptomatic people also have polyfunctional antibodies, although their response is slightly weaker than that of patients with moderate forms ofu Covid-19.
“This study suggests that the protection induced by an asymptomatic infection is very close to that seen after a symptomatic infection.“, concludes Olivier Schwartz, co-lead author of the study and head of the Viruses and Immunity unit at the Institut Pasteur and at the VRI (Inserm / Université Paris Est Créteil).
to summarize, this study shows that the infection Covid-19 induces antibodies capable of killing infected cells regardless of the severity of the disease.
Source : Institut Pasteur, April 21, 2021.
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