Levels of naïve T lymphocytes as a predictor of the efficacy of the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 and its potential vaccines

The effective immune response capacity against a new pathogen will depend primarily on the specific recognition capacity of native T lymphocytes. The reduction of these cells as a consequence of physiological aging or secondary to pathology could be responsible for the inadequate control of the infection against SARS-COV-2. In patients with a certain genetic or physiopathogenic component, an exaggerated and uncontrolled inflammatory response may occur, perhaps as a compensatory mechanism, which together with other risk factors leads to a fatal outcome. Defining the lymphocyte profile that characterizes patients with different degrees of SARS-CoV-2 involvement will make it possible to predict those with a higher risk of complications or who might not benefit from vaccination once it is available.