SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell (SARS-CoV-2 T-cell)

SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cells are a critical component of the adaptive immune system, consisting of CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes that recognize specific peptide fragments of the SARS-CoV-2 virus presented by MHC molecules [Grifoni et al., 2020]. These cells play a dual role: CD8+ T-cells directly lyse infected cells to halt viral spread, while CD4+ T-cells coordinate the broader immune response, including the promotion of high-affinity antibody production by B cells [Sette & Crotty, 2021]. Research indicates that T-cell responses are often broader and more durable than antibody responses, providing protection against severe COVID-19 even when viral mutations lead to antibody escape [Dan et al., 2021]. In drug development, these cells are the primary target of vaccines, such as mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2, which are designed to elicit long-lasting memory T-cell populations [Sahin et al., 2020]. Additionally, adoptive cell therapies involving the infusion of ex vivo expanded SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cells, such as ALVR109, are being explored as a strategy to treat severe infection in immunocompromised individuals [Keller et al., 2020]. The induction and maintenance of these cells are essential for achieving herd immunity and reducing the global burden of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other names

SARS-CoV-2 reactive T-cellCOVID-19 specific T-cellSARS-CoV-2 memory T-cellVirus-specific T-cell (VST) for SARS-CoV-2

Induction of cellular immunity through vaccine-mediated antigen presentation or direct infusion of ex vivo expanded virus-specific T-cells to recognize and eliminate SARS-CoV-2 infected cells.