Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 13, 2025

High-throughput Screening for Broad-spectrum Chemical Inhibitors of RNA Viruses
Published on: May 5, 2014
Cytidine deamination-induced perpetual immunity to SAR-CoV-2 infection is a potential new therapeutic target
Asad Ullah1, Neelam Mabood2, Muhammad Maqbool3
1Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
Abstract:
As the world is racing to develop perpetual immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The emergence of new viral strains, together with vaccination and reinfections, are all contributing to a long-term immunity against the deadly virus that has taken over the world since its introduction to humans in late December 2019. The discovery that more than 95 percent of people who recovered from COVID-19 had long-lasting immunity and that asymptomatic people have a different immune response to SARS-CoV-2 than symptomatic people has shifted attention to how our immune system initiates such diverse responses. These findings have provided reason to believe that SARS-CoV-2 days are numbered. Hundreds of research papers have been published on the causes of long-lasting immune responses and variations in the numbers of different immune cell types in COVID 19 survivors, but the main reason of these differences has still not been adequately identified. In this article, we focus on the activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), which initiates molecular processes that allow our immune system to generate antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. To establish lasting immunity to SARS-CoV-2, we suggest that AID could be the key to unlocking it.
Insights
Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) may be key to unlocking lasting immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Understanding AID
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Global efforts focus on achieving perpetual immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
- Vaccination, reinfections, and emerging viral strains contribute to long-term immunity.
- Prior COVID-19 recovery confers lasting immunity in over 95% of individuals, with varied immune responses between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of diverse immune responses to SARS-CoV-2.
- To identify key factors contributing to long-lasting immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
- To explore the role of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) in SARS-CoV-2 immunity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on immune responses in COVID-19 survivors.
- Focus on molecular processes initiated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID).
- Analysis of AID's role in generating antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
Main Results:
- Significant research exists on long-lasting immunity and immune cell variations post-COVID-19.
- The primary drivers of these immune differences remain inadequately identified.
- Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) initiates molecular processes for antibody generation against SARS-CoV-2.
Conclusions:
- Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is a critical factor in the immune system's ability to generate antibodies.
- Understanding AID's function is crucial for developing strategies for lasting SARS-CoV-2 immunity.
- AID presents a potential key to unlocking perpetual immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Related Concept Videos
Immunological Memory
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
RNA Editing

