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. 2021 Jan-Feb;39(1):98-103.
doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2020.12.018. Epub 2020 Dec 16.

Is the BCG vaccine a useful tool against COVID-19?

Galina Zhelezova  1 , Valeria Mateeva  2 , Grisha Mateev  3
Affiliations

Is the BCG vaccine a useful tool against COVID-19?

Galina Zhelezova et al. Clin Dermatol. 2021 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine has been used since 1921 initially for protection against tuberculosis. BCG acts through stimulation of cell-mediated adaptive immunity with activation of the Th1 cells and production of interferon gamma. Additionally, it is able to stimulate the immune system in a nonspecific manner, which results in effectiveness of the BCG against non-mycobacterial infections and in some malignant, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. Recently, its potential use in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been suggested. This is based upon the concept of BCG-induced trained innate immunity-a memory-like response of the innate immune system that can realize greater protection in case of re-infection. This hypothesis represents a milestone in the potential use of the BCG vaccine in the fight with the novel coronavirus.

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