"Neutralising antibodies are an important component of the immune response against SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, the capacity of the P1 variant to evade antibodies present in the plasma of CoronaVac-immunised individuals suggests that the virus can potentially circulate in vaccinated individuals -- even in areas with high vaccination rates," said Jose Luiz Proenca-Modena , from the varsity's Laboratory of Emerging Viruses.However, interim data from a phase 3 trial published in The Lancet showed that two doses of China's CoronaVac vaccine offer 83.5 per cent protection against symptomatic Covid-19 disease, and can protect against severe disease and death. "Therefore, neutralising antibodies might not be the only contributing factor -- the T-cell response may also play an important role in reducing disease severity," Proenca-Modena said.The phase 3 trial led by researchers from the Hacettepe University Medical School in Ankara, Turkey, indicates that CoronaVac induces a robust antibody response among 90 per cent of those who received the vaccine.But, the antibody response decreased with increasing age in men and women.CoronaVac uses an inactivated whole virus. The vaccine induces the immune system to attack the harmless form of the virus by producing antibodies to fight it off, leading to immunity.Developed by Sinovac Life Sciences , the vaccine, which can be stored and transported at 2-8 degrees Celsius, has been approved for emergency use in 22 countries. "One of the advantages of CoronaVac is that it does not need to be frozen, making it easier to transport and distribute.

Source: Economic Times July 08, 2021 03:45 UTC