Scientists at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology have conducted a groundbreaking analysis of immune cell memory in the upper airways of adults, revealing the presence of 'tissue resident' memory cells that play a vital role in defending against respiratory diseases such as SARS-CoV-2.

Led by LJI Instructor Sydney Ramirez, the study emphasizes the importance of understanding immune responses in the upper airway during viral infections.

The research highlights that the upper airway is home to long-lived immune cells, including virus-specific memory T cells and memory B cells, which are crucial for fighting infections and developing long-term immunity.

Future research will explore how immune cell populations in the airway respond to intranasal vaccines and the duration of stability for memory B and T cells.

Evidence from the study indicates that participants who contracted COVID-19 had B cells in their noses specifically targeting SARS-CoV-2, showcasing effective immune responses.

The nose serves as a critical entry point for pathogens, with nasal conchae playing a role in warming and moistening the air before it reaches the lungs.

The study also found that adenoids, immune organs located at the back of the nose, have active germinal centers capable of producing specialized B cells trained to combat specific viruses, even in older adults.

During infections, adenoids become more active, generating germinal center B cells that enhance the immune response.

These findings could pave the way for advancements in nasal vaccinations and treatments for various conditions, including allergies and autoimmune diseases.

Researchers developed a new swabbing technique to effectively collect immune cells from the nasal passages, overcoming previous challenges in sampling these elusive cells.

The study's co-author, Paul Lopez, indicated that this new technique could help investigate various immune conditions, including chronic rhinosinusitis.