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# Stem Cells Could Help With COVID-19 Vaccine
- URL: https://www.legalexaminer.com/christopher-nace/health/stem-cells-could-help-with-covid-19-vaccine/
- Published: 2020-07-15T10:58:59.000Z
- Updated: 2025-10-09T03:34:12.000Z
- Description: Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, are exploring the use of blood-forming stem cells in the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Author: Christopher T. Nace
- Tags: Health

The coronavirus pandemic is devastating the U.S. economy and healthcare systems — as of publication, nearly 3.2 million Americans have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus. We’re eagerly looking ahead in hopes that a safe, effective vaccine will become available to the public soon, and new research has found that stem cells could play a role in quashing the pandemic and inoculating people from infection.

Researchers at the [University of California, Los Angeles](https://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/stem-cells-model-immune-response-covid-19?ref=legalexaminer.com) are exploring the use of blood-forming stem cells in the COVID-19 vaccine. The research team uses the stem cells to develop type 1 dendritic cells, which play a key role in the adaptive immune response. The research is still in its early stages, but if it leads to successful results, stem cells could play a significant part in the treatment of the coronavirus.

## **How It Works**

Researchers are taking blood-forming stem cells from healthy donors and infecting the stem cells with COVID-19 antigens. Then, the researchers produce immune cells from the stem cells and analyze which parts of SARS-CoV- 2, the virus that causes COVID-19, cause the strongest immune system response. Once scientists have that answer, they’ll be able to use their findings to help determine the best way to create long-lasting immunity against the coronavirus.

## **Stem Cells and COVID-19**

This isn’t the first time that researchers have found a positive link between stem cells and the fight against coronavirus. In May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a clinical trial that allows doctors in Florida and South Dakota to use [stem cell therapy](https://www.legalexaminer.com/stem-cell-therapy-shows-potential-in-treating-covid-19/) to treat severe cases of COVID-19\. It’s still important for consumers to remain vigilant about the claims they see from stem cell companies. As *USA Today* explains, some stem cell companies have been caught making dubious claims about the efficacy of stem cell therapies and COVID-19\. The FDA even [sent eight warning letters](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2020/06/22/stem-cell-companies-selling-hope-unproven-treatments-covid-19/5348246002/?ref=legalexaminer.com) to companies that made unproven claims.

## **What You Should Know**

Early research has shown promising results, and there’s reason to remain optimistic about stem cells and COVID-19 treatment, and stem cells may even help researchers find a vaccine sooner than expected. However, stem cells aren’t magic — and you should be skeptical of any brand that makes wide-ranging claims about the [efficacy of stem cells](https://www.legalexaminer.com/be-cautious-when-considering-stem-cell-therapies/) in coronavirus treatment, especially if they have a financial incentive to exaggerate the benefit of stem cells. A [research paper released in June](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1934590920302010?ref=legalexaminer.com) by a bioethicist at the University of Minnesota found that some stem cell clinics are even claiming that stem cell treatment can prevent COVID-19, which is medically unproven. Stay updated on the legitimate research being conducted by stem cell medical professionals, but remain wary of anything that sounds too good to be true.