Scientists have discovered novel immune responses that explain how some people avoid getting COVID-19. High levels of a gene called HLA-DQA2 before exposure were associated with preventing sustained infection of SARS-CoV-2. The study involved 36 healthy adult volunteers who were administered the virus and monitored for immune responses. Those who cleared the virus effectively had subtle, never-seen-before immune responses. The researchers also identified common patterns in T cell receptors that could help in developing targeted treatments against COVID-19 and other diseases. The study highlights the importance of understanding immune responses for developing effective treatments and vaccines.
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