Sheffield scientists join national effort to search for answers on Covid-19

The team will work alongside immunologists from 16 other UK universities to understand immune responses to the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, as part of the UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium (UK-CIC).

The UK-CIC is one of three UK-wide studies into how our immune systems respond to the virus and will receive £6.5million in funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

In Sheffield, the immunologists will study how the body’s immune system responds to SARS-CoV-2 and why some people suffer severe, life-threatening Covid-19 while others have mild or asymptomatic infections, but can still transmit the virus.

They will also study how T cells – a type of lymphocyte which plays a central role in the immune response – contribute to immunity to the virus to prevent re-infection, how long this persists and if re-infection does occur.

The team will be led by Professor Claire Lewis from the Department of Oncology and Metabolism and Professor Sarah Rowland-Jones, Dr Thushan de Silva and Professor Endre Kiss-Toth from the Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease.

Claire Lewis, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Pathology at the University of Sheffield, said: “We are delighted to be able to contribute to this exciting new immunology consortium.

"Pooling our expertise and resources in this way will accelerate our understanding of how this coronavirus affects the immune system, and thus how we can defeat it.”

Together, it is hoped the studies of the UK-CIC will significantly improve our understanding of this new virus and thus treatment outcomes for patients.

They may also inform the development of vaccines and new therapies for Covid-19.

Dr Thushan de Silva, Senior Clinical Lecturer in Infectious Diseases at the University of Sheffield, added: “We are excited to be working with colleagues across the consortium to characterise the nature and durability of immunity after Covid-19.

"This work will be key to understanding what immune responses are important in protecting people from re-infection as we move into the next phases of the pandemic.”

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star.

The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you.

Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.