As the COVID-19 virus continues to mutate, people are eager to find an effective way to prevent infection. A recent study finds that administering IgA antibodies via nasal spray can fend off multiple omicron variants within the respiratory tract.
The immune system generates different types of antibodies, each serving distinct functions. IgA antibodies in the respiratory mucosa play a protective role at the entry point of viruses in the respiratory tract, preventing their replication or entry into the lungs. The COVID-19 vaccines primarily stimulate an IgG antibody response within the body, with limited impact on the induction of mucosal IgA antibodies. The preventive capability of IgG antibodies generated via vaccination with the original strain is also less effective against the omicron variant.
