Novel coronavirus is raging all over the world. Recently, researchers from new york Blood Center and Fudan University combined novel coronavirus with T cells cultured in the laboratory. Judging from the almost completely destroyed immune system of 20 deaths in COVID-19, it is confirmed that COVID-19 will attack the human immune system like HIV. The study was published in the journal Cell and Molecular Immunology last week.

In the autopsy report of 20 people who died in COVID-19, the researchers found that almost all the immune systems of these dead people had been completely destroyed, and the damage of their internal organs was similar to the combination of SARS and AIDS. Researchers found that T cells, which belong to human immune cells, became the target of COVID-19 virus. After the virus gene entered the T cell, it seized the control of the cell and destroyed the function of T cell to protect human body.

Studies show that COVID-19 is very different from HIV. HIV will replicate in T cells, and these cells will be used for virus replication to produce more viruses. However, COVID-19 virus has not found self-replication after entering T cells, and it may end up with T cells.

Zhang responded: the decline of lymphocytes is only temporary. In this regard, Zhang, the expert convener of the epidemic command center, said that after the infection of patients in Taiwan Province, there was indeed a situation of low white blood cells in critically ill patients. "In particular, the decline of lymphocytes indicates that lymphocytes are indeed consumed, but there is no similar situation for mild patients. 」

Infection by other viruses (such as dengue fever) can also make lymphocytes decline, because lymphocytes are sent to fight viruses, and it is normal to lose them. He said that the number of lymphocytes in patients with COVID-19 will return to normal after recovery. Moreover, HIV will cause a long-term decrease in lymphocytes.