Immunologic memory after recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection

Until now, it was not clear whether a surviving SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 infection led to persistent immunological memory and therefore could protect against re-infection. Several studies have shown that specific antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are only detectable for a few months in many people who have survived COVID-19 and therefore may offer only temporary protection against reinfection. A research team from the University of Friborg Medical Center led by Dr Maike Hofmann, Dr Christoph Neumann-Haefelin and Prof. Robert Thimme was able to show: after recovery from a SARS-CoV-2 infection , immune cells are formed which remain in the body and could induce a rapid immune response if re-infected. The Friborg study was published in the online edition of the famous scientific journal Nature medicine November 12, 2020.

“These so-called memory T cells after infection with SARS-CoV-2 look like a real flu. We are therefore convinced that the majority of people who have survived infection with SARS-CoV-2 have some protection against reinfection. with SARS-CoV-2 ”, explains Dr Hofmann, scientist in the Department of Medicine II of the Medical Center of the University of Friborg.

Professor Thimme, medical director of the department of medicine II, underlines the importance of a good translational research environment such as that of the Medical Center of the University of Friborg in the current situation: “In order to obtain research results solid in a few months, close networking between clinic and science at the highest level is a fundamental requirement: on the one hand, patients with COVID-19 are treated in our wards and continue to be cared for in a special outpatient clinic even after the infection has healed. on the other hand, our clinic has great expertise in the analysis of immune cells in viral infections such as hepatitis B and C. “

The University of Friborg Medical Center is not participating in the development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. However, Dr Neumann-Haefelin, director of the Gerok Liver Center at Freiburg University Hospital, is optimistic: “Our results suggest that immunity against SARS-CoV-2 can be achieved after infection. Likewise, vaccines currently being tested in trials could provide significant protection against SARS-CoV-2 ”.

“Deciphering complex immune responses has long been a focus of research at the University and the University of Friborg Medical Center. Thanks to the high scientific quality on site, we can now make an important contribution to the corona pandemic “, says Prof Dr Norbert Südkamp, ​​Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Albert-Ludwigs University in Friborg.