Four largely ignored coronaviruses circulate in humans without causing great harm

New study finds that common coronaviruses may provide immunity against COVID-19

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in both humans and animals. Most coronaviruses cause mild upper-respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, but some coronaviruses can cause more severe disease, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

A new study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine has found that four largely ignored coronaviruses circulate in humans without causing great harm. These coronaviruses, known as HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-HKU1, are all common causes of the common cold. The study found that these coronaviruses may provide immunity against COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

The study tested the blood of 338 people for antibodies against HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-HKU1. The researchers found that 80% of the people tested had antibodies against at least one of these coronaviruses. The researchers also found that people who had antibodies against one of these coronaviruses were less likely to develop severe COVID-19.

The findings of this study suggest that exposure to common coronaviruses may provide some protection against COVID-19. This is important because it could mean that people who have been exposed to these coronaviruses may be less likely to develop severe COVID-19. More research is needed to confirm the findings of this study and to determine the extent to which exposure to common coronaviruses protects against COVID-19.