Positive news.. These cells are resistant to the Omicron mutant

A new study has revealed that the immune system's white blood cells are able to mount an immune response to the omicron mutant.

Because the omicron mutant contains a higher number of mutations than other coronaviruses, it can evade antibodies caused by getting a vaccine or getting infected.

However, if the virus does enter the body, the white blood cells, known as T cells, will attack.

And the British “PA Media” news agency reported that the new study, conducted by the University of Melbourne and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, included researchers who analyzed more than 1,500 segments of viral proteins of the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, called epitopes. You identify it in patients recovering from the Corona virus or after receiving the vaccine.

The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Versis, indicates that it is unlikely that the omicron mutant will be able to evade T cells.

"Although the study is preliminary, we believe this is positive news," said University of Melbourne professor and study co-leader Matthew Mackay.

"Even if an omicron, or any other mutant, could escape the antibody, a strong T-cell reaction is still expected to provide protection and help prevent severe disease," he added.

He explained, "Based on our data, we expect, for example, that the T-cell response, which is stimulated by vaccines and boosters, will continue to help provide protection against the omicron mutation, as has been observed for other ungulates. We believe this study provides some positive news in the global fight against mutated omicron".

According to the researchers, the most disturbing part of the Omicron mutant is the large number of mutations in its Spike protein, which is the primary target of Corona vaccines.

The spike enables the virus to fuse and enter cells in humans.

Current vaccines neutralize antibodies in order to block this process, however, these antibodies are said to be less effective against the OMICRON mutant than other previous mutants.

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