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Newswise – Until now, it was unclear whether a surviving SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 infection led to persistent immunological memory and thus could protect against re-infection. Several studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies are only detectable for a few months in many COVID-19 survivors and can therefore only provide temporary protection against reinfection. A research team at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg led by Dr. Maike Hofmann, Dr. Christoph Neumann-Haefelin and Prof. Dr. Robert Thimme was now able to demonstrate: after recovery from SARS infection -CoV-2, immune cells are formed that remain in the body and could mediate a rapid immune response in case of reinfection. The Freiburg study was published in the online edition of the renowned scientific journal Medicine of nature on 12 November 2020.
“These so-called memory T cells after SARS-CoV-2 infection look similar to those after real flu. We are therefore confident that most people who have survived SARS-CoV-2 infection have some protection against reinfection. with SARS-CoV-2, “explains Dr. Hofmann, scientist at the Department of Medicine II of the Medical Center – University of Friborg.
Professor Thimme, Medical Director of the Department of Medicine II, stresses how important a good translational research environment such as that of the Medical Center – University of Freiburg is in the current situation: “In order to obtain robust research results within a few months, a close Networking between clinical 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 a great experience in the analysis of immune cells in viral infections such as hepatitis B and C. “
The Medical Center – University of Freiburg is not involved in the development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. However, Dr Neumann-Haefelin, head of the Gerok Liver Center at the University Hospital of Freiburg, is optimistic: “Our results suggest that immunity against SARS-CoV-2 can be achieved after an infection. , the vaccines currently being tested could provide significant protection against SARS-CoV-2. “
“The deciphering of complex immune responses has long been part of the research center of the University and the Medical Center – University of Freiburg. Thanks to the high scientific quality on site, we can now make an important contribution to the corona pandemic,” says the Prof Dr. Norbert Südkamp, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg.
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This translational research on viral infections is funded by the state of Baden-Württemberg, two collaborative research centers of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the “Clinician Scientist” programs of various foundations. Hofmann is supported by the Margarete von Wrangell Habilitation Program for Women of the State of Baden-Württemberg.
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