Immunological memory wins! A recent study shows immunity in convalescent individuals will be VERY long lasting and that convalescent individuals who received an mRNA vaccine produced antibodies and memory B-cells that will be protective against circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants!

Here, researchers reported on a cohort of 63 COVID-19-convalescent individuals assessed at 1.3, 6.2 and 12 months after infection, 41% of whom received an mRNA vaccine. In the absence of vaccination, antibody reactivity to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2,

neutralizing activity, and the number of RBD-specific memory B-cells remained relatively stable from 6 to 12 months. However, vaccination increased ALL components of the humoral response, and as expected, results in serum neutralizing activities against variants of concern that

are comparable to or greater than neutralizing activity against the original Wuhan Hu-1 strain achieved by vaccination of naive individuals. The mechanism underlying these broad-based responses involves ongoing antibody somatic mutation, memory B-cell clonal turnover, and

development of monoclonal antibodies that are exceptionally resistant to SARS-CoV-2 RBD mutations, including those found in variants of concern. In addition, B-cell clones expressing broad and potent antibodies are selectively retained in the repertoire over time and expand

DRAMATICALLY after vaccination. Study can be found here: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.07.443175v1

So, to sum everything up. Why will immunity to SARS-CoV-2 be long-lived? Immunological memory! Consisting of antibodies, memory B-cells, memory CD8+ T-cells, and memory CD4+ T-cells. These responses are what give us enduring protection even against newly emerging variants.

Immunological memory is probably the most important feature of immunity as it allows us to better respond when the threat is encountered a second time. Against SARS-CoV-2, it helps to determine protection against reinfection, disease risk, and vaccine efficacy.

As long as your T-cells still recognize this virus and inform your B-cells they need to get to work and adjust to make antibodies to be better “fit” you’re protected. Imagine your B-cells are your sword that need sharpening every now and again and your T-cells are your shield.