Vaccines help our immune systems to recognize certain characteristics of an invading bacteria or virus. Some vaccines have live bacteria or viruses in a weakened state so that the body can gain an immune response.
Scientists are conducting clinical trials with existing vaccines to determine if they are effective against diseases not specifically approved by the FDA. In other words, would the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine (or other vaccines) help COVID-19 patients?
Health officials believe that the most severe COVID-19 cases might be helped with the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine was not designed to treat a coronavirus, but it is believed that some of the symptoms of COVID-19 can be reduced.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are derived from our bone marrow. Studies conducted at the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans show that MDSCs can reduce inflammation and death in laboratory animals.
Severe infections of COVID-19 include lung inflammation and sepsis. The success with laboratory animals with similar severe COVID-19 symptoms might help humans.
Some medical researchers believe that age provides an immune benefit because of the body’s ability to generate MDSCs. As we grow older, our ability to regenerate MDSCs declines. The MMR vaccine has a safe track record. The current thinking is that a ‘booster’ shot of vaccine might be of great value in reawakening the body’s ability to grow new MDSCs.
Additionally, clinical trials are being conducted using the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine to treat COVID-19. BCG is used to treat tuberculosis. The ability to use a vaccine that has been approved by the FDA cuts years off the research, development, and approval processes for a new vaccine. Clinical trials still need to demonstrate the efficacy of the intended treatment.
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