B.C. study investigates role of T cells in fighting COVID-19
I’ve given a lot for my career over the years. This time, I’m giving my blood to understand more about how our immune systems fight the coronavirus that has upended our lives.
I volunteered to have my blood tested for T cells as part of a local study on COVID-19 immunity being done by Vancouver research company Immunity Diagnostics.
T cells are a type of white blood cell that finds and destroys virus-infected cells. Immunity Diagnostics has been measuring T cell response in Metro Vancouver residents who have received their first doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
Studies around the world have shown that those who have a good T cell response did not get seriously ill when exposed to the virus.
As the world races to vaccinate as many people as possible, there are still questions about how long the immunity will last and how well the vaccines will work against new variants. That’s where T cells come in.
“Antibodies tend to decrease over time,” said Immunity Diagnostics founder Ismael Samudio. “Two to three boosters for everyone around the world is not sustainable. If we’re lucky, we may be able to have a long-lasting T cell response. If not, we have to figure out how to make vaccines with a long-lasting T cell response.”
Six weeks after my first dose of AstraZeneca, I rolled up my sleeve again to test how well my T cells would launch into virus fighting mode.
The T cell response was measured after blood samples were exposed to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. After a few days, I received the positive test results.
I was one of 80 per cent of Astrazeneca first dose recipients who showed a strong T cell response. Finally, some good news for our cohort.
As for Pfizer recipients, after one dose, only 20 per cent mounted a strong increase in T cells. Samudio says he was surprised by that, but points to a Pfizer study that indicates two doses are needed to get a comparable T cell response.
My results showed not only do I have a great response to the vaccine, I am one of 40 per cent of Lower Mainland residents tested who have been exposed to the virus or a similar coronavirus in the past – perhaps the common cold.
It looks like a good chunk of the population has some pre-existing immunity.
“That probably bodes well,” Samudio says. “The fact you have those T cells means you have a leg up, a head start.”
Samudio plans to get more samples from volunteers after their second dose and then publish his findings later this year. He says it’s too early to know how much T cell response gives us the protection we need, but he wants to be ready.
“I hope we don't get caught again unprepared for the next one,” he says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
At least 60 reports of Lyme disease so far as Ontario enters tick season
Peak tick season is only just beginning but reports of bites – and tick-borne illnesses – are already higher than normal in Ontario.
Pope apologizes after using 'homophobic terms'
Pope Francis apologized Tuesday after he was quoted using a vulgar term about gay men to reaffirm the Catholic Church's ban on gay priests.
Severe thunderstorms, 15 cm of snow: Canadian weather forecast highlights
Well into spring, some parts of Canada could experience a wintry comeback, while other areas are bracing for severe thunderstorms, according to local forecasts.
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
House from 'Home Alone' hits the market for US$5.25 million
Kevin McCallister’s childhood home has hit the market for US$5.25 million. At just over 9,000 square feet, the house from the 'Home Alone' movie was last sold in 2012 for $1,585,000.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
More Canadians only making minimum payment on credit cards: TransUnion
Some Canadians are seeing their credit card balances grow as the cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates eat into household budgets, a new report shows.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.