As we navigate our way through the ever-evolving world of the COVID-19 pandemic, every bit of good news counts. There is a promising new option on the horizon, the Intranasal Trivalent MMS vaccine. Let’s dive in and understand why this is catching attention.
The New research conducted by Ohio State University has given surprising findings about the Long-lasting protection against COVID with the MMS Vaccine. This study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, and Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
“The beauty here is we already know the MMR is used in children, so we’re building on a 50-year safety record. We inserted three different spikes that allow broad neutralizing antibodies to protect against the different variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2. It’s quite promising, and would be a fantastic new type of vaccine to prevent COVID-19.”
Jianrong Li, senior author of the study and a professor of virology in Ohio State’s Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Infectious Diseases Institute.
A Quick Look Back
Remember back in 2020 when the world collectively held its breath, awaiting the first COVID-19 vaccine? Fast forward to October 2023, and the virus has unfortunately claimed over 6.96 million lives and infected 771 million people worldwide. While several vaccines were developed, they faced challenges, especially with the emergence of new variants like Omicron. Suddenly, our tools felt a bit outdated. This is when the next-generation trivalent MMS vaccine enters battle.
In a new paper, @OhioState scientists report on an MMS vaccine candidate – for Measles, Mumps + SARS-CoV-2 – delivered via the nose that provides broad & long-lasting protection against #COVID19 infection in animal models. @OSUVetCollege https://t.co/tWKjyZk5Fg
— Ohio State News (@OhioStateNews) October 2, 2023
What’s This New Vaccine About?
In simpler terms, this vaccine is like a multitasker. Instead of targeting just one strain of the virus, it aims at three. It’s made by tweaking the measles and mumps viruses to tackle SARS-CoV-2.
Many of us are familiar with the MMR vaccine that safeguards us from measles, mumps, and rubella. This MMS version is tailored to combat the threat of COVID-19 as well. It’s delivered right through the nose, making it non-invasive and potentially more accessible worldwide.
What makes this MMS variant truly promising is its proven broad and lasting protection against COVID-19. Initial studies using rodent models have shown some truly encouraging results. For starters, the vaccine induces a powerful neutralizing antibody response. This essentially means that it primes the body to effectively combat the virus if exposed.
But there’s more to this vaccine than just immediate protection. Drawing from our understanding of the MMR vaccine’s long-lasting immunity against measles and mumps, there’s a high likelihood that the MMS format would also offer prolonged defense against COVID-19. Supporting this belief are studies on hamsters. The antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 remained active and potent for at least four months without any noticeable decline.
In today’s world, variant strains of viruses pose new challenges. Initial results indicate its effectiveness not just against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. It is also against the formidable delta and omicron BA.1 variant. The former is notorious for its heightened severity, and the latter for its rapid spread.
Why It Matters
After rigorous testing and a lot of hard work, researchers found some compelling reasons to be optimistic:
Wider Defense: The trivalent vaccine showed a broader response than the single-strain ones we’ve been using. In other words, it’s ready for more than one type of SARS-CoV-2 challenge.
Protection in the Lungs: Both the trivalent and the single-strain vaccines activated special defenders in our lungs called Tissue-Resident Memory T cells. But the trivalent covered more ground, offering a broader protective net.
Stronger Immune Response: In our body’s fight against illnesses, T cells are the unsung heroes. The trivalent vaccine supercharged these heroes, making them even more ready to defend us.
Ready for Different Variants: In tests, the trivalent vaccine took on different SARS-CoV-2 variants and came out strong, especially against familiar foes like the Delta strain.
A Nose Ahead: Here’s something interesting. This vaccine is given through the nose. This method, as it turns out, might offer better protection against respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
Conclusion
The Intranasal Trivalent MMS vaccine feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a product of relentless effort, and it promises to be adaptable in the face of a changing enemy. While we’ve been through a lot, it’s innovations like these that remind us of the power of science and human determination.
In our shared journey through this pandemic, the trivalent MMS vaccine offers a glimmer of hope, reminding us that every challenge has a solution waiting to be discovered.
Also read,
- COVID-19, RSV, Flu, or Just a Cold? Winter is Coming and What Your Symptoms Really Mean?
- Two-thirds of COVID-19 Hospitalizations from Just One Age Group, They Should Vaccinate Immediately
