Cross-immunity would aid COVID-19 battle

Significance

This is partly attributed to age and to health predispositions, but the physiological basis is not entirely clear. Existing immunity from previous exposure to other coronaviruses -- or cross-immunity -- may affect how individuals respond to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studies are investigating whether past exposure to different but related viruses make people more or less susceptible to a new form, but there are no definitive answers yet.

Impacts

• Governments and scientific advisers may be able to use cross-immunity to identify the most at-risk groups in this and future outbreaks.
• Cross-immunity may affect policy on schools and age-based institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Vaccine and drug developers will benefit from understanding cross-immunity to refine pharmaceutical development.