August 17, 2020
Immunity happens ( corrected links)
Good news on the immunity front shows that there are signs of lasting immunity after infection with SARS-CoV-2. This is good news indeed, because it means that we will likely have a vaccine that works to help us gain immunity at some point in the next year.
Data has been spotty about whether immunity happens, many were worried because so much about SARS-CoV-2 has been unusual, so I am happy to see this. Now we need to figure out the best antibody test because the ones we are using now are not always accurate. Having an accurate antibody test is important to track effectiveness of the vaccines and reassure the people who had COVID-19 already that they are no longer infectious. The tests for immunity is different than the tests being used to look for active infections.
Granted, data may change as we gain more info, which means recommendations may change, but this is a good start.
And from llamas we have more optimism as well. Not just from Caesar the No Drama Llama. “Aeronabs” are an aerosolized molecule that can be self-administered with nasal spray or an inhaler. It seems to block the SARS-CoV-2 virus from infecting our cells. Inspired by “nanobodies” from llamas, camels, and their relatives. These are smaller than regular antibodies and can easily be designed to block the spike protein of the coronavirus from attaching to and entering a human cell. Apparently easy and cheap to reproduce, easy to administer, and so far appear safe. Hopefully, they will get approval so we can use Aeronabs while waiting for the best, most effective vaccine, and not just the first, rushed to market one.
These are the wonderfully intriguing ideas and treatments that develop when scientists are challenged in new ways. The same thing happened during the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. Our understanding of the immune system and roles of different cells grew massively during that heartbreaking period, which ultimately led to multiple treatments breakthroughs in treating HIV and other diseases.
Wash your hands, cover your nose, keep safe six, and thank your llama for nanobodies and aeronabs.
And finally, my caveat is that this is my experience and my opinions, which are subject to change as more information is available, and not related to the organization I work for. Thanks for reading.
Sorry for the duplicate but want you to have the correct links.
https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/scientists-see-signs-of-lasting-immunity-to-covid-19-even-after-mild-infections/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200814163313.htm
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/08/05/therapy-llama-caesar-no-drama-llama-diffuses-tension-protests/
https://www.mdlinx.com/news/-aeronabs-promise-powerful-inhalable-protection-against-covid-19/Pc1rw0GmEX9MQyvzLGBMw