Health

First-line immune defences against COVID-19 are short-lived and may explain reinfection

A new study finds that antibodies produced in the nose decline nine months after COVID-19 infection, while antibodies found in the blood last at least a year.

Published

2 years ago

January 2, 2023

Daily News Staff

Newswise — A new study finds that antibodies produced in the nose decline nine months after COVID-19 infection, while antibodies found in the blood last at least a year.

Antibodies in the nasal fluid (known as immunoglobulin A, or IgA) provide first-line defence against COVID-19 by blocking SARS-CoV-2 virus when it first enters the respiratory tract. These antibodies are very effective at preventing the virus from entering cells and causing infection.

However, the investigators found that the nasal antibodies were only present in those recently infected and were particularly short-lived against the Omicron variant, compared to earlier variants.

These new findings – which are published in eBioMedicine – may explain why people who have recovered from COVID are at risk of reinfection, and especially with Omicron and its subvariants.

The study also found that vaccination is very effective in creating and boosting antibodies in the blood, which prevent severe disease, but had very little effect on nasal IgA levels.

First author of the study, Dr Felicity Liew, from the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London, said: “Before our study, it was unclear how long these important nasal antibodies lasted. Our study found durable immune responses after infection and vaccination, but these key nasal antibodies were shorter-lived than those in the blood. While blood antibodies help to protect against disease, nasal antibodies can prevent infection altogether. This might be an important factor behind repeat infections with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its new variants.”

The researchers note that studies that directly study these nasal antibodies and reinfections are needed to confirm their results.

The research was led by teams from Imperial College London and the University of Liverpool. It studied almost 450 people who had been hospitalised with COVID-19 between February 2020 and March 2021, before the emergence of Omicron variant and prior to vaccine rollout.

The study also found that whilst current vaccines are effective at boosting blood antibody which can prevent serious illness and death, they do not significantly boost nasal IgA antibodies.

The researchers call for the next generation of vaccines to include nasal spray or inhaled vaccines that target these antibodies more effectively. They say that vaccines capable of boosting these antibodies could potentially reduce infections more effectively and prevent transmission.

Co-senior author of the study, Professor Peter Openshaw, from the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London, said: “Our results highlight a need for nasal spray vaccines that can boost these local antibodies in the nose and lungs. Such vaccines might be able to prevent people from getting infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and reduce transmission of the virus between people. This could help us to better control the pandemic and stop new variants emerging.”

He continues: “Our current vaccines are designed to reduce severe disease and death and are dramatically effective in this aim. It’s now essential to also develop nasal spray vaccines that can provide better protection against infection. It’s brilliant that current vaccines mean fewer people are becoming seriously ill, but it would be even better if we could prevent them from getting infected and transmitting the virus.”

The study analysed antibodies of the participants to understand how long nasal antibodies lasted, compared with antibodies found in the blood. They also studied the effect of subsequent COVID-19 vaccines on antibodies in the nose and blood.

Samples were taken when people were hospitalised and at six months and one year after. Since most people were vaccinated during the study, many samples were also taken before and after vaccination.

They measured how well the antibodies neutralised the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the Delta and Omicron variants to see how long the antibodies were effective for after infection or vaccination.

The study included 446 people admitted to hospital in the early phase of the pandemic, including 141 who provided samples at the start of the study and six and 12 months later. For participants who only had one sample taken during the 12-month period of study, the researchers used modelling to estimate how the average antibody responses changed over time.

Of those who confirmed whether they had been vaccinated (323 people), 95% (307 people) received their first vaccination during the study follow-up period. This led to increases in all nasal and blood antibodies, but the change in the first-line defence nasal antibodies (IgA) was small and temporary. The researchers found that the participants’ sex, disease severity and age did not impact how long their nasal immunity lasted, but caution that their study was only in people with severe disease that required hospitalisation.

They also found that blood antibody from participants continued to bind the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the Delta and Omicron variants a year after infection, but found that booster vaccines are needed to maintain this immunity.

Co-senior author of the study, Dr Lance Turtle, Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Liverpool and Consultant in Infectious Diseases at Liverpool University Hospitals, said: “Our study suggests that this first-line defence immunity is separate from other immune responses, and although it is increased by vaccination and infection, it only lasts for about nine months. Nonetheless, booster vaccines can increase it slightly and otherwise have a significant impact on other areas of immunity, protecting against severe disease and death very effectively, so remain very important.”

The researchers note that their study did not screen participants for reinfection, but that this was unlikely to have occurred since the study took place during periods of national restrictions and lockdowns when COVID-19 incidence was low and people were not mixing. In a preliminary analysis, they found only two cases of reinfection in their study, suggesting that the overall trends seen are accurate.

The study was supported by the ISARIC4C, UKCIC and PHOSP-COVID consortia. It was jointly funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, UK Research and Innovation and the Medical Research Council.

–

This press release uses a labelling system developed by the Academy of Medical Sciences to improve the communication of evidence. For more information, please see: http://www.sciencemediacentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AMS-press-release-labelling-system-GUIDANCE.pdf

About Imperial College London

Imperial College London is a global top ten university with a world-class reputation. The College’s 22,000 students and 8,000 staff are working to solve the biggest challenges in science, medicine, engineering and business.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 found that it has a greater proportion of world-leading research than any other UK university, it was named University of the Year 2022 according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, University of the Year for Student Experience 2022 by the Good University Guide, and awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its COVID-19 response. https://www.imperial.ac.uk/

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)

The mission of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. We do this by:

– Funding high quality, timely research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care;
– Investing in world-class expertise, facilities and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services;
– Partnering with patients, service users, carers and communities, improving the relevance, quality and impact of our research;
– Attracting, training and supporting the best researchers to tackle complex health and social care challenges;
– Collaborating with other public funders, charities and industry to help shape a cohesive and globally competitive research system;
– Funding applied global health research and training to meet the needs of the poorest people in low and middle income countries.

NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. Its work in low and middle income countries is principally funded through UK Aid from the UK government.

LinkL:

Source: Imperial College London

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Urban Remedy Disrupts the $5.1B Shakes Market with First-of-Its-Kind Organic Protein Collagen Shake

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2025

Daily News Staff

Made with 30g protein, 10g grass fed collagen and 0g added sugar.

POINT RICHMOND, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Urban Remedy, a leader in certified organic freshly prepared ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and cold-pressed juices, announces its launch of organic high protein collagen meal replacement shakes. Fueled by surging consumer demand for clean protein and collagen, Urban Remedy‘s decision to launch this trendsetting innovation is made possible with a first to market source of organic bovine collagen peptides from sustainably raised grass-fed cowhides.

Now available in Whole Foods Market, the Organic Protein Collagen Shakes come in two delicious flavors that deliver unmatched nutritional benefits, Chocolate with 30g of protein, and Vanilla with 28g of protein. They both include 10g of organic collagen to support hair, skin, nail and joint health. The type 1 and type 3 collagen peptides are hydrolyzed for optimal absorption and provide 18 amino acids. There is 0g added sugar per bottle. Instead, the drinks are naturally sweetened with date, plant-based stevia extract and monk fruit extract offering an uncompromisingly delicious taste.

“The demand for high protein and clean eating continues to grow, fueled by busy lifestyles and an increasing understanding that food is medicine.” said Steven Naccarato, CEO, Urban Remedy. “As a fast-growing leader in functional food and beverage, we’re committed to transforming the way people fuel their bodies.”

“Consumers want foods that taste amazing with less sugar and real, nutrient dense ingredients,” said Neka Pasquale, Founder and Chief Product Officer of Urban Remedy. “Our products are 100% clean, and we specially choose certified organic ingredients for their healing properties, such as organic grass-fed collagen. As a brand we never include inflammatory ingredients like dairy, gluten, refined sugar or any artificial ingredients.”

The Organic Protein Collagen Shakes are now available in Urban Remedy’s grab & go kiosks in Whole Foods Market, online on Whole Foods Market on Amazon and retail for $9.99 for a 16oz bottle.

For more information about Urban Remedy, visit www.urbanremedy.com. Find a store near you at ww.urbanremedy.com/locations/

About Urban Remedy

Urban Remedy creates delicious, clean and convenient organic foods that embody the belief that food is healing. All of Urban Remedy‘s freshly prepared meals, refrigerated snacks and cold-pressed juices are certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar free to support an anti-inflammatory diet and are thoughtfully crafted with every ingredient chosen for its healing properties. Urban Remedy believes that business can be a force for good and is a certified B corporation meeting rigorous standards of environmental and social performance, accountability and transparency. Urban Remedy is sold in over 370 Whole Foods Market locations and in other retailers including Ralphs, Fred Meyer, QFC, Fry’s, King Soopers, Andronico’s, Raley’s and more. www.urbanremedy.com.

Source: SPINS MULO + Natural Channel, Protein & Meal Replacement Liquid Subcategory, L52W ending 1/26/25

SOURCE Urban Remedy

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The Bridge

Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Patricia Era Bath: A Trailblazer in Ophthalmology and Beyond

Published

3 days ago

March 1, 2025

Lynette Young, Rod Washington

In a world where innovation often shapes the future, few have left as profound a mark as Dr. Patricia Era Bath. Born on November 4, 1942, Dr. Bath transcended boundaries, redefining what it means to be a pioneer in medicine and a champion for the underserved. Her journey is not just a testament to her incredible intellect and skill as an ophthalmologist, but also to her unwavering commitment to humanitarianism and social justice.

Patricia Bath — Changing the face of Medicine (Wikipedia)

A Visionary in Ophthalmology

Dr. Bath was not only a skilled surgeon; she was a revolutionary. As one of the early pioneers of laser cataract surgery, her work has changed the lives of countless individuals worldwide. The development of this innovative technique not only improved patient outcomes but also symbolized a turning point in ophthalmic surgery. With her groundbreaking achievements, Dr. Bath illustrated that the intersection of science and compassion could embody the essence of healthcare.

Her trailblazing career included being the first woman inducted as a member of the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute and the first woman to lead a post-graduate training program in ophthalmology. Moreover, her remarkable journey culminated in her becoming the first African-American woman on the staff at the UCLA Medical Center, where she pushed boundaries in a field historically dominated by men.

A Legacy of Firsts

Dr. Bath’s legacy is marked by her groundbreaking “firsts.” She was the first African-American person to complete residency in ophthalmology at New York University and the first African-American woman to serve as a surgeon at UCLA Medical Center. Even more impressive is her achievement of becoming the first African-American woman doctor to receive a patent for a medical invention, holding five patents in total.

Among her most notable contributions is the founding of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness in Washington, D.C., where she tirelessly worked to raise awareness and address disparities in access to eye care. Dr. Bath’s pioneering spirit extended beyond her profession; she propelled an entire generation toward a future where access to quality medical treatment is a right, not a privilege.

A Voice for the Voiceless

Dr. Bath’s humanitarian work extended to advocacy as she sought to illuminate the challenges faced by marginalized communities in achieving equitable healthcare. In 2009, she was honored to stand beside President Barack Obama, recognizing her contributions in ophthalmology and serving on his commission for digital accessibility to blind children. Her efforts highlighted the pressing need for inclusivity in healthcare, technology, and education—echoing her steadfast belief that everyone deserves access to the tools that enhance sight and learning.

In April 2019, just weeks before her passing, Dr. Bath shared her insights during a Senate hearing titled “Trailblazers and Lost Einsteins: Women Inventors and the Future of American Innovation.” Her testimony shed light on the gender disparities in STEM fields and the crucial need for recognition and support of female inventors. Even in her final days, she was a beacon of hope and progress.

Remembering Dr. Patricia Bath

Dr. Patricia Era Bath passed away on May 30, 2019, due to cancer-related complications, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of resilience, empathy, and innovation. At age 76, she had changed the very fabric of medicine while reminding us of the vital importance of diversity in healthcare.

As we celebrate Dr. Bath’s life, let us remember her not only for her remarkable achievements but also for the path she has paved for future generations. Her legacy lives on, reminding us that the fight for equity in healthcare is far from over and that the spirit of innovation fuels our collective journey toward progress.

In honor of Dr. Bath, let us continue her mission to advance healthcare for all, celebrate diversity in all its forms, and strive to make the world a more equitable place—for sight, for education, and for justice. Rest in peace, Dr. Patricia Era Bath. Your vision changed the world, and you will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer.

Patricia Bath (Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_Bath

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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Food and Beverage

Important Recall Notice: Certain Ulker Brand Products Due to Undeclared Allergens

Published

4 days ago

February 28, 2025

Rod Washington

dough in a tray. Ulker — Photo by Felicity Tai on Pexels.com

Attention Consumers in Ontario and Quebec!

We want to ensure that you stay informed and safe, especially when it comes to food products. Recently, a recall was issued for specific Ulker brand snacks due to undeclared allergens, which can pose serious health risks for those with allergies or intolerances. Here’s what you need to know.

The Affected Products

The following Ulker products have been recalled:

Kekstra Mini (Strawberry)
Biskrem Cocoa
Rulokat

Ulker Kekstra mini strawberry 150 g front

The Issue

The recall is a response to the discovery that these products contain undeclared egg, milk, and wheat. For individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients, consuming these products can potentially lead to serious or even life-threatening reactions.

Distribution

These products are specifically distributed in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. If you reside in these areas, it is crucial to check your pantry and ensure that you do not have any of the affected items.

What You Should Do

Check Your Inventory: Look for the Kekstra Mini (strawberry), Biskrem cocoa, and Rulokat products in your home. If you have them, examine the packaging for any allergen warnings.
Do Not Consume: If you have allergies or sensitivities to egg, milk, or wheat, please do not eat these recalled products. The presence of these allergens could trigger a serious reaction.
Celiac Disease Awareness: For those who have celiac disease or other gluten-related disorders, it is essential to avoid these products entirely, as hidden gluten could be harmful.
Proper Disposal or Returns: If you find any of these products, do not serve, use, or distribute them. We recommend throwing them out or returning them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Stay Safe!

The safety and well-being of consumers are of utmost importance. By taking a moment to assess your pantry and ensuring that you’re not inadvertently consuming these recalled products, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones.

For additional updates and information on recalls, staying informed is key. Regulatory bodies and health organizations often release updates and safety information, so keeping an eye on these resources will help you stay safe.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out! Your health and safety are our priority, and we’re here to help you navigate any concerns you may have.

Stay informed and stay safe! 🥳

Learn more:

Important links:

https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/certain-ulker-brand-products-recalled-due-undeclared-egg-milk-and-wheat

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/certain-ulker-brand-products-recalled-due-to-undeclared-egg-milk-and-wheat-879269964.html

SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

https://stmdailynews.com/