Research Shows COVID-19 Has an Ability To Alter the Immune System

(Newswire.net — October 18, 2022) Orlando, FL — Covid-19 has been known to produce various changes inside the body and overall human health. While experts strongly recommend maintaining a strong immunity to battle its dangerous impacts, a study has shown this virus-triggered disease also alters the immune system.

The LMU researchers reveal that Covid-19 lessens the number and functional competence of certain immune cell types in the blood. It is worth noting that this impacts responses to secondary infections. 

According to experts, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus causes moderate to severe disease in 3 percent to 10 percent of those infected. In these cases, the overreaction of the immune system toward the virus triggers an aberrant innate immune response.  

This is characterized not just by systemic inflammation and intravascular blood clotting but also damage to the cardiovascular system. 

The study was spearheaded by immunology professor Anne Krug at LMU’s Biomedical Center (BMC) and included a number of researchers based at the BMC and the LMU Medical Center.

The findings were published in the PLOS Pathogens journal.

They particularly reported that following SARS-CoV-2 infection, there was a decline in the number of immune cells called dendritic cells. Further, the infection also led to an impairment in the functionality of the remaining fraction.

This has led the researchers to believe that it increases susceptibility to infections during, and immediately after recovery from a bout of COVID-19

Experts say that the dendritic cells take charge of initiating immune responses against invasive pathogens, and this through activating helper T cells. It is worth noting the T cells stimulate B cells in secreting antibodies directed against the invader. 

“We had actually expected that DCs isolated from patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 would activate T cells more potently than DCs obtained from healthy donors,” says Krug. 

“However, we discovered that, in the course of the disease, the proteins present on the surface of the DCs in patients’ blood were altered in a way that made them more likely to inhibit T cell responses.”  

Multiple research studies have demonstrated how important it is to maintain a strong immunity, which is vital in the body’s ability to combat the dangerous effects of Covid-19.

Experts have been increasingly recommending the right dietary and lifestyle modifications to boost the body’s defenses. There are even some remedies like the medicinal mushroom called lion’s mane that may be helpful.  

Studies have shown this remedy helps protect and boost immunity. It is widely obtained today through the use of extra-strength formulas like Divine Bounty Lion’s Mane. (https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Lions-Mane-Mushroom-Capsules/dp/B07LGR1KN7).