Immunity and COVID

Epidemics have affected the Humanity many times; the most recent epidemic is the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affecting people around the world, mostly infecting people with low immunity. Among children, during the initial months after birth, the maternal antibodies protect the child from different infections. The infections occurring in childhood build memory T and B cells which help in protecting from re-infection. The circulating antibodies in blood harbor a long lasting immunity. These antibodies are responsible for recognizing viral pathogen and defending the body against them. T cells being responsible for recognition and killing of pathogens, while B cells help in generating of novel antibodies according to body’s need.¹

Studies in the UK reported that the adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2 was significantly higher in children of age group 3 to 11 years, also the antibody titers against four different human coronavirus were doubled in children, especially the titer value against the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the spike N-terminal domain (NTD) were higher by 2.3-fold and 1.7-fold respectively. Also, studies revealed the children had more than twice cellular immune response to the viral spike protein than in adults. The S-protein present on the surface of the coronvirus helps the virus to attach to the host cell surface receptors such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors present on the surface of many human cells, like those in the lungs allowing virus entry . The study concluded that the T-cell responses magnitude against the spike protein was 2.1 fold higher among seropositive children and more than half of the seronegative children, suggesting the pre-existing cross-reactive responses or sensitization to SARS-CoV-2.⁴   The spike-specific response level was found to be higher in children and also 84% children retained the Cellular immune responses even after 6 months post-infection. These studies provide evidence that children have a better memory in the immune cells, which helps the body to recognize the pathogen quickly if encountered again and defends the body against infectious disease like COVID-19.^2,3

Along with the child’s own immune system, protecting them from infections, as parents the responsibility to build a strong immunity and boost it lies on our shoulders, which is very essential and crucial during the ongoing pandemic. Some few ways to enhance the immunity include breast feeding the baby, which is the primary source of building baby’s immunity, proper vaccination at scheduled times, encouraging kids to have a healthy platter making it more attractive  with fresh and colorful fruits and veggies, maintaining a good and healthy gut, getting sufficient sleep, being physically active, inculcating hygienic habits. ⁴

Thus, for long lasting immunity and protection against the COVID-19, enhancing the child’s immune system along with the love and care can help them be strong both physically and mentally.

Reference:

1. Lasting immunity found after recovery from COVID-19. In: Services USDoHaH, editor. National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892: NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®, 2021,[ cited 22-Aug-21] Available from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/lasting-immunity-found-after-recovery-covid-19
2. Subramanian Boopathi, A. B. P.,and Ponmalai Kolandaivelc. Novel 2019 coronavirus structure, mechanism of action, antiviral drug promises and rule out against its treatment. J Biomol Struct Dyn. 2020 1–10.
3. Robertson S. Children develop strong, long-lasting immunity following SARS-CoV-2 infection: Medical Research News | Disease/Infection News; 2021 [updated April 2021; cited 2021 22-Aug-21]. Available from: https://news-medical.net/news/20210420/Children-develop-strong-long-lasting-immunity-following-SARS-CoV-2-infection.aspx.
4. Khoche S. 10 ways to build immunity in children: The Indian Express; 2020 [updated May 2020; cited 2021 22-Aug-21]. Available from: https://indianexpress.com/article/parenting/health-fitness/how-to-build-child-immunity-6417601/.