11/2009/ UC DAVIS Study/ Existing Immunity to the H1N1 Flu

October 31, 2009

" The new UC study would explain why so many people over the age of 60 --

whose bodies were likely exposed to similar flu viruses over the decades -- have

been found to carry antibodies or other kinds of immunity against H1N1. In fact,

the CDC now admits pre-existing antibodies against the virus are found in about

one third of H1N1 2009 patients over the age of 60, a fact that shows some

natural immunity to the new H1N1 virus exists in many people.

" These findings indicate that human populations may have some level of existing

immunity to the pandemic H1N1 influenza and may explain why the 2009

H1N1-related symptoms have been generally mild, " researcher Carol Cardona, a

veterinarian and ative Extension specialist at the UC School of

Veterinary Medicine, said in a media statement.

Cardona and UC scientist Zheng Xing recently posted their findings online in the

journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases. The study is also slated for

publication in the November print edition of the journal, which is published by

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). " Our hypothesis, based on

the application of data collected by other researchers, suggests that

cell-mediated immunity, as opposed to antibody-mediated immunity, may play a key

role in lowering the disease-causing ability, or pathogenicity, of the 2009 H1N1

influenza, " Xing said in the media release.

Curiously, the new research suggests that although previous similar flu viruses

seem to have produced antibodies in exposed people, these antibodies are not

what are providing protection for those infected with the H1N1 2009 strain of

influenza. Instead, Cardona and Xing theorize that instead of stimulating

protective antibodies, the epitopes of the new H1N1 virus produce an immune

response in a different way. The virus triggers production of cytotoxic T-cells

that kill infected cells, attack the invading virus, and rev up the immune

system. "

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Love, Gabby. :0)

" I know of nobody who is purely Autistic or purely neurotypical. Even God had

some Autistic moments, which is why the planets all spin. " ~ Jerry Newport

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