MORE ANTIBODIES PRODUCED BY COVISHIELD THAN COVAXIN : STUDY

MORE ANTIBODIES PRODUCED BY COVISHIELD THAN COVAXIN : STUDY

Subject: Science & tech

Context: Seropositivity rates to anti-spike antibody were significantly higher in Covishield recipients compared to Covaxin after the first dose, the study claimed.

Concept:

• This ongoing, Pan-India, Cross-sectional, Coronavirus Vaccine-induced Antibody Titre (COVAT) study is being conducted amongst HCW, with or without past history of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike binding antibody is being assessed quantitatively at four time points between 21 days or more after the first dose to 6 months after the second dose, the study said.

Antibody

• Antibodies are also called immunoglobulins or Ig. They are Y-shaped proteins made by your immune system’s B lymphocytes or B cells.
• B cells attack and eliminate viruses and other toxins outside the cell. They do this by making specific antibodies for a single type of antigen.
• These tailored antibodies lock on to their specific antigens and tag them for attack. Antibodies also block these antigens, keeping them away from your healthy cells. Ultimately, antibodies kill these antigens, stopping infection.

The main types of antibodies (immunoglobulins) include:

• These are the most abundant types of antibodies in your plasma. They detoxify harmful substances and provide long-term protection.
• These are the first antibodies made by B cells in response to antigens.
• These antibodies collect antigens and remove them from your body in your mucus or other body fluids.
• These antibodies trigger allergies and protect against parasites. Small amounts are in your skin, lungs, and mucosal membranes.
• These antibodies bind to B cells and signal them to release IgM antibodies.
• Each antibody guards against its target antigen and many types of antibodies are found throughout your body. They play a vital role in your body’s defense against illness and disease.

Antigens

• Antigens, or immunogens, are substances or toxins in your blood that trigger your body to fight them.
• Antigens are usually bacteria or viruses, but they can be other substances from outside your body that threaten your health. This battle is called an immune response.