Understanding and weaponizing immune responses to COVID-19

Human B and T cell responses to the novel coronavirus provide natural biomarkers and blueprints for COVID-19 countermeasures. Virtual presentations hosted Thursday by BioCentury and Repertoire Immune Medicines Inc. showcased emerging work on SARS-CoV-2 antigens and immune receptors that could help triage patients and optimize vaccines and mAbs against COVID-19.

Even as compounds that interfere with the virus’ life cycle begin to show hints of efficacy, there is a growing consensus that tackling pathology and spread of COVID-19 will also require interventions that draw from the host immunity side of the equation (see “Deal Flow, Diagnostics and Defeating COVID-19”)...