This inhibits the virus from infecting more cells.ĭuring phase 1, the immune cells also produce cytokines, a group of proteins that recruit other immune cells as well as fight infection. This infection triggers a phase 1 immune response, in which the antibody-producing B-cells pump out neutralizing antibodies that can bind to the virus and prevent it from attaching to ACE2. The coronavirus infects cells by attaching to a receptor called the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 ( ACE2), which is present in many tissues throughout the body, including the respiratory tract and cardiovascular system. A defect in the second phase can trigger massive inflammation, tissue damage and death. A deficiency in the first phase can allow uncontrolled growth of the infectious agent, such as a virus or bacteria. This is followed by phase 2, during which immune cells called regulatory T cells suppress inflammation so that the infected tissues can completely heal. When an infectious agent attacks, the body begins phase 1, which promotes inflammation-a state in which a variety of immune cells gather at the site of infection to destroy the pathogen. Failure in either can have significant consequences.Īn effective immune response against an infectious agent rests in the delicate balance of two phases of action. To reach a destination safely, you need both an accelerator (phase 1) and a brake (phase 2) that are functioning well. We have been working on how the immune response is a double-edged sword-on one hand helping the host to fight infections, while on the other hand causing significant damage in the form of autoimmune diseases. But as immunology researchers at the University of South Carolina, we can say one thing is clear: With no effective treatment options, survival against the coronavirus infection depends completely on the patient's immune response. In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, who is the "fittest"? Thus, when a new infection that the world has never seen before erupts, the process of natural selection starts all over again.
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