#1 Clinical Trials Search in Europe

Measles Virus Edmonston-Enders Strain (Live, Attenuated) Produced In Chick Embryo Cells

This article examines recent clinical trials investigating the use of the Measles Virus Edmonston-Enders Strain (Live, Attenuated) vaccine, which is produced in chick embryo cells. These trials explore the vaccine’s effectiveness, safety, and immune responses in different populations, including children, adults with chronic conditions, and infants during measles outbreaks. The studies aim to improve our understanding of vaccine-induced immunity and potential new applications for this established vaccine.

Table of Contents

What is MEASLES VIRUS EDMONSTON-ENDERS STRAIN?

MEASLES VIRUS EDMONSTON-ENDERS STRAIN (LIVE, ATTENUATED) PRODUCED IN CHICK EMBRYO CELLS is a key component of several vaccines used to prevent measles and other related diseases. This strain is a weakened (attenuated) form of the measles virus that has been carefully modified to stimulate an immune response without causing the full-blown disease[1].

The vaccine containing this strain is often referred to as the MMR vaccine, which stands for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. It’s a combination vaccine that protects against these three viral diseases. Some formulations also include protection against varicella (chickenpox), known as the MMRV vaccine[1].

How does it work?

When administered, the weakened measles virus stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. These antibodies provide protection against future infections with the wild-type (naturally occurring) measles virus. The vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection without causing the actual disease, allowing the body to develop immunity safely[1].

What diseases does it treat?

The primary disease prevented by this vaccine component is measles, a highly contagious viral infection that can cause severe complications, especially in young children. When combined with other vaccine components, it also helps prevent:

  • Mumps: A viral infection affecting the salivary glands
  • Rubella (German measles): A viral infection that can cause serious birth defects if contracted during pregnancy
  • Varicella (chickenpox): In some vaccine formulations (MMRV)[2]

How is it administered?

The vaccine is typically administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) or intramuscular injection. It’s usually given in two doses:

  1. The first dose is typically given between 12-15 months of age.
  2. The second dose is usually administered between 4-6 years of age[2].

In some cases, such as during measles outbreaks, an early extra dose (known as MMR-0) may be given to infants between 6-12 months of age[3].

How effective is it?

The MMR vaccine containing the MEASLES VIRUS EDMONSTON-ENDERS STRAIN is highly effective. After two doses, the vaccine is approximately 97% effective against measles, 88% effective against mumps, and 97% effective against rubella[1].

The effectiveness of the vaccine is measured by the body’s immune response, typically through the production of antibodies. Studies have shown that the vaccine induces a strong immune response in most recipients, providing long-lasting protection against these diseases[2].

Is it safe?

The MMR vaccine has been used for decades and has a strong safety record. Like all vaccines, it can cause some side effects, but these are generally mild and temporary. Common side effects may include:

  • Soreness or redness at the injection site
  • Mild fever
  • Rash
  • Temporary joint pain (more common in adults, especially women)[2]

Serious side effects are rare. The benefits of vaccination in preventing potentially severe diseases far outweigh the risks of side effects for most people. However, as with any medical treatment, it’s important to discuss any concerns or specific health conditions with your healthcare provider[1].

Current research and future directions

Ongoing research is exploring new ways to use and improve vaccines containing the MEASLES VIRUS EDMONSTON-ENDERS STRAIN. Some current areas of study include:

  • Alternative administration methods: Researchers are investigating the potential of administering the MMR vaccine through the skin (epicutaneously) instead of by injection. This method might induce a stronger immune response in the respiratory system, which could be beneficial for preventing respiratory infections[2].
  • Effects on the immune system: Studies are examining how live vaccines like MMR might have broader effects on the immune system beyond just protecting against specific diseases. For example, one study is looking at whether these vaccines could help reduce inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)[4].
  • Early vaccination strategies: Research is being conducted on the effectiveness of giving an early extra dose of the MMR vaccine (MMR-0) to infants during measles outbreaks. This could provide crucial protection for young infants who are typically too young to receive the standard first dose[3].

These ongoing studies aim to further improve the effectiveness and versatility of vaccines containing the MEASLES VIRUS EDMONSTON-ENDERS STRAIN, potentially expanding their use in preventing and managing various health conditions.

Trial Focus Population Key Objectives Notable Aspects
Immunogenicity and safety of MMRV vaccine Healthy children 4-6 years old Evaluate immune responses and safety of different MMRV formulations Comparison with ProQuad vaccine
Epicutaneous MMR vaccination Healthy adults 18-34 years old Compare mucosal immune responses between skin and injection administration Novel administration method exploration
Live vaccine effects on COPD patients Adults with COPD Assess innate immune training and systemic inflammation reduction Potential new application for existing vaccines
Early MMR vaccination during outbreaks Infants 6-12 months old Evaluate immune response to early MMR vaccination Strategy for protecting young infants during outbreaks

FAQ

  • What is the Measles Virus Edmonston-Enders Strain vaccine? The Measles Virus Edmonston-Enders Strain vaccine is a live, attenuated vaccine produced in chick embryo cells. It is typically used as part of combination vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) to prevent measles infection.
  • What populations are being studied in these clinical trials? The clinical trials are studying various populations, including healthy children aged 4-6 years, adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and infants aged 6-12 months during measles outbreaks.
  • What are the main objectives of these clinical trials? The main objectives include evaluating immune responses to the vaccine, comparing different administration methods, assessing the vaccine's effects on the innate immune system, and determining the effectiveness of early vaccination in infants during outbreaks.
  • Are there any new administration methods being tested? Yes, one trial is exploring epicutaneous (on the skin) administration of the MMR vaccine compared to the standard injection method to determine if it generates appropriate mucosal immune responses.
  • What safety measures are in place for these clinical trials? The trials include various safety measures such as exclusion criteria for participants with certain health conditions, monitoring for adverse events, and following established protocols for vaccine administration and follow-up.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Measles Virus Edmonston-Enders Strain (Live, Attenuated) Produced In Chick Embryo Cells

  • Evaluating measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (live) in lactating women to enhance infant mucosal immunity

    Not yet recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium

  • Study on Early Measles Immunization with MMR-0 Vaccine for Infants Under 12 Months During a Measles Outbreak

    Not yet recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    The Netherlands

  • Study on Immune Response and Safety of Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella Vaccine in Healthy Children Aged 4 to 6 Years

    Not yet recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Latvia Spain

  • Study on the Effectiveness of Skin Patch Vaccination with Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine in Healthy Volunteers

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Denmark

  • Study on the Effects of Live Vaccines (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, BCG) on Immune System in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Denmark

Glossary

  • Attenuated vaccine: A vaccine containing a weakened form of a virus that can still produce an immune response without causing the full disease.
  • Epicutaneous: Administered on or through the skin.
  • Immunogenicity: The ability of a substance, such as a vaccine, to provoke an immune response in the body.
  • Seroresponse: The production of antibodies in response to a specific antigen, such as a vaccine.
  • Geometric Mean Concentration (GMC): A measure of the average concentration of antibodies in a group of subjects, calculated using the geometric mean.
  • Innate immune system: The body's first line of defense against pathogens, which responds quickly but non-specifically to threats.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.
  • Maternal antibodies: Antibodies passed from mother to infant during pregnancy or breastfeeding, providing temporary immunity.
  • Reactogenicity: The capacity of a vaccine to produce common, expected adverse reactions, often used as an indicator of vaccine responsiveness.
  • MMR-0: An early, extra dose of the MMR vaccine given to infants younger than the standard vaccination age during measles outbreaks.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial-id/2022-501564-18-00
  2. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial-id/2023-503845-79-01
  3. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial-id/2024-513395-18-00
  4. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effects-of-live-vaccines-measles-mumps-rubella-bcg-on-immune-system-in-patients-with-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/