Professor
Tommy Hutchison
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- Jun 29, 2020
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Interesting new study published today
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(20)31139-9
In simple terms there is a phenomenon called trained immunity which means some vaccines 'prime' cells called macrophages to protect in a non-specific way for about 6 months. This is not a specific antibody or cell response to the vaccines, but more like putting these early responders on 'red alert". Here they use the old TB vaccine BCG (which is not that effective any more) in over 65s to boost the immune system in the respiratory tract-its also a response where excessive inflammation is controlled. Early days but hopefully seasonal flu vaccines may help (some flu vaccines have been shown to produce this effect in mice). What is good is that is in older people, where the immune system often struggles.
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(20)31139-9
In simple terms there is a phenomenon called trained immunity which means some vaccines 'prime' cells called macrophages to protect in a non-specific way for about 6 months. This is not a specific antibody or cell response to the vaccines, but more like putting these early responders on 'red alert". Here they use the old TB vaccine BCG (which is not that effective any more) in over 65s to boost the immune system in the respiratory tract-its also a response where excessive inflammation is controlled. Early days but hopefully seasonal flu vaccines may help (some flu vaccines have been shown to produce this effect in mice). What is good is that is in older people, where the immune system often struggles.