Cross-reactive memory T cells and herd immunity to SARS-CoV-2.
Nat Rev Immunol
; 20(11): 709-713, 2020 11.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-834892
ABSTRACT
Immunity is a multifaceted phenomenon. For T cell-mediated memory responses to SARS-CoV-2, it is relevant to consider their impact both on COVID-19 disease severity and on viral spread in a population. Here, we reflect on the immunological and epidemiological aspects and implications of pre-existing cross-reactive immune memory to SARS-CoV-2, which largely originates from previous exposure to circulating common cold coronaviruses. We propose four immunological scenarios for the impact of cross-reactive CD4+ memory T cells on COVID-19 severity and viral transmission. For each scenario, we discuss its implications for the dynamics of herd immunity and on projections of the global impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the human population, and assess its plausibility. In sum, we argue that key potential impacts of cross-reactive T cell memory are already incorporated into epidemiological models based on data of transmission dynamics, particularly with regard to their implications for herd immunity. The implications of immunological processes on other aspects of SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology are worthy of future study.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pneumonia, Viral
/
Viral Vaccines
/
Coronavirus Infections
/
Coronaviridae Infections
/
Pandemics
/
Betacoronavirus
/
Antibodies, Viral
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Topics:
Vaccines
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Nat Rev Immunol
Journal subject:
Allergy and Immunology
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S41577-020-00460-4
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