Reaction to the study analyzing the generation of specific memory T cells after vaccination with Pfizer.
Reaction to the study analyzing the generation of specific memory T cells after vaccination with Pfizer.
This explainer is more than 90 days old. Some of the information might be out of date or no longer relevant. Browse our homepage for up to date content or request information about a specific topic from our team of scientists.
This article has been translated from its original language. Please reach out if you have any feedback on the translation.
This article is also available in Spanish.
This article is also available in Spanish.
A study has monitored T-lymphocyte responses to the SARS-CoV-2 spike in 71 healthy donors who received both doses of Pfizer's vaccine. After follow-up for up to six months the researchers saw that specific memory cells were generated and maintained that persisted for at least six months.
A study has monitored T-lymphocyte responses to the SARS-CoV-2 spike in 71 healthy donors who received both doses of Pfizer's vaccine. After follow-up for up to six months the researchers saw that specific memory cells were generated and maintained that persisted for at least six months.
Publication
BNT162b2 vaccination induces durable SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells with a stem cell memory phenotype
Not peer-reviewed
Peer-reviewed
What our experts say
Context and background
Resources
Expert Comments:
África González Fernández
The article confirms previous evidence of the generation of memory T cells, maintenance of antibodies for several months and also cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses.
The most remarkable aspect of this work is the systematic study and analysis of memory cell populations. They found a subpopulation, called memory T stem, which is able to be activated against virus peptides and which is a long-term cellular reservoir, since it is able to be activated as soon as it sees the virus and it has been described that it can give rise to a long-lasting memory.
Analysis of these cells suggests that vaccination, regardless of whether there is a drop in antibody production or even in T lymphocyte production, induces the generation of a reservoir of cells that can maintain the memory for long periods of time. The time that they can last is not known specifically, but for other pathogens they can be maintained for decades.
It would indicate that, at least in the general population, the immunity generated by the vaccine is sufficiently effective and, most importantly, the memory it induces will be long-lasting. Therefore, as far as we know now, it would not be necessary to administer a third dose to the general population.
In immunosuppressed or immunosenescent persons, the third dose is actually to complete their vaccination schedule, since they did not have a good response with two doses.
This work opens the option of searching for this type of memory T stem cell in various groups.
