Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (MPIMG) show that some healthy individuals possess immune cells capable of recognizing the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The reason for this might be found in prior infections with 'common cold' coronaviruses. Whether or not this cross-reactivity has a protective effect on the clinical course in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 will now be addressed by the 'Charité Corona Cross' study. ...snip... In Germany, coronaviruses are responsible for up to 30 percent of all seasonal colds, says Prof. Dr. Andreas Thiel