People who naturally resist Covid infection became an inspiration for better vaccines, say researchers.
Scientists at University College London said some people had a degree of Covid-immunity before the pandemic started. Therefore, they could inspire for a new vaccine tactic.
The scientists were closely monitoring hospital staff during the first wave of the pandemic, including by taking regular blood samples.
Blood samples showed these people already had (as in before the pandemic) protective T-cells, which recognise and kill cells infected with Covid.
Dr Leo Swadling, one of the researchers, said their immune systems were already “poised” to fight the new disease.
These T-cells were able to spot a different part of the virus than the bit most of the current vaccines train the immune system to find.
Last week, Britain has approved COVID-19 antiviral pill jointly developed by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics.
Thus, Britain becomes the first country in the world to take the move.
“Today is a historic day for our country. The UK is now the first country in the world to approve an antiviral,” said health minister Sajid Javid.
“This will be a game-changer for the most vulnerable and the immunosuppressed, who will soon be able to receive the ground-breaking treatment,” he added.
