Immunity

Used as prevention or therapy, neutralising antibodies (NAbs) can help control the COVID-19 pandemic. They mainly target the RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) of the spike viral protein, thus blocking entry of the virus into the target cell. But certain NAbs, less powerful, also target the NTD (N-Terminal Domain). Conversely, certain so-called “facilitating” antibodies are able […]

As well as humoral immunity (antibody immunity), which plays an essential role against viral infection, cellular immunity (T lymphocytes) is also very important. Lymphocytes are made up of B lymphocytes, which produce antibodies; CD8 T lymphocytes, often called cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which destroy infected cells; and CD4 T lymphocytes, known as helpers. The T CD4 […]

The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 can be attributed to the fact that the world’s population was for the most part immunologically naïve. Although we have learned to better understand the virus, many questions remain unanswered. What we know today is that 4 endemic human coronaviruses (HCoVs: alpha- and beta-coronaviruses, NL63, 229E) cause respiratory infections that […]

The majority of vaccines developed against SARS-CoV-2 enable the production of antibodies targeting the spike (S) surface protein of the virus. This comports several domains, the main one being the RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) that binds with the ACE2 cellular receptor to enable entry of the viral particle into the cell. The role of other […]

Several studies have shown that the T response (cellular immunity) is vital to immunity and to the elimination of SARS-CoV-2. In the pathophysiology of COVID-19, it is therefore imperative to better understand how infected cells interact with the immune system. The infected cell has viral antigens (protein fragments recognized by antibodies) at its surface revealed […]

The spike (S) surface protein of SARS-CoV-2 is the main protein embedded in the virus’ envelope. On its surface we find different domains, notably the RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) and the NTD (N Terminal Domain). The RBD binds with the ACE2 cellular receptor to enable the virus to enter the cell. Patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 […]

Vaccination or natural infection enables the production by the organism of antibodies directed against the pathogen (against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, for example). Antibodies are produced by the B lymphocytes which multiply clonally when they encounter the pathogen. Some of these antibodies become long-life memory B lymphocytes that protect the organism against re-infection. The humoral immune […]

Although the majority of COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic or benign, some patients develop respiratory, vascular or neurological complications. Several recent studies have linked recovery from the illness with the effectiveness of the immune response. Despite antibody reaction being in general effective following SARS-CoV-2 infection, those factors leading to severe or fatal cases are still poorly […]

The first stages of infection by SARS-CoV-2 involve the interaction of the spike with the ACE2 cellular receptor followed by the fusion of the viral membrane with the plasma membrane of the cell. The S1 domain of the spike governs the interaction with the ACE2 through its RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) and undergoes several structural […]

The absence of pre-existing immunity against SARS-CoV-2 coupled with its high interhuman transmissibility led to the COVID-19 pandemic that we are currently experiencing. Several vaccines are now available, but it will still be some time before we have adequate vaccine coverage due to the time scales of production and distribution. In addition, the protection the […]