T cells: a new hope for immunity against the omicron variant

In 10 seconds? A new study suggests although antibodies generated by vaccines or previous infection are less effective, T cells – vital players in our immune system – still can mount a strong defense against the rapidly spreading omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2.

What did they discover? They’ve found that although omicron can often slip through the first line of defense in our immune system – the antibodies that appear after vaccination or COVID-19 illness. However, T cells – which for the second line of immune defense – can ward off severe illness.