Nunez-Castilla et al.: "Potential autoimmunity resulting from molecular mimicry between SARS-CoV-2 Spike and human proteins"; discovered molecular mimicry hotspots in Spike
Molecular mimicry between viral antigens and host proteins can produce cross-reacting antibodies leading to autoimmunity.
SOURCE:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35891400/
Molecular mimicry between viral antigens and host proteins can produce cross-reacting antibodies leading to autoimmunity. The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19, a disease curiously resulting in varied symptoms and outcomes, ranging from asymptomatic to fatal.
Autoimmunity due to cross-reacting antibodies resulting from molecular mimicry between viral antigens and host proteins may provide an explanation. Thus, we computationally investigated molecular mimicry between SARS-CoV-2 Spike and known epitopes. We discovered molecular mimicry hotspots in Spike and highlight two examples with tentative high autoimmune potential and implications for understanding COVID-19 complications.
We show that a TQLPP motif in Spike and thrombopoietin shares similar antibody binding properties. Antibodies cross-reacting with thrombopoietin may induce thrombocytopenia, a condition observed in COVID-19 patients. Another motif, ELDKY, is shared in multiple human proteins, such as PRKG1 involved in platelet activation and calcium regulation, and tropomyosin, which is linked to cardiac disease.
Antibodies cross-reacting with PRKG1 and tropomyosin may cause known COVID-19 complications such as blood-clotting disorders and cardiac disease, respectively. Our findings illuminate COVID-19 pathogenesis and highlight the importance of considering autoimmune potential when developing therapeutic interventions to reduce adverse reactions.
I recall some of the leaders of the cult of coerced mass vaccination salvation hysteria saying that there was ZERO autoimmune potential from the jabs and that any claim to the contrary was a crazy whack job tinfoil hat conspiracy theory. Instead of evidence, the cult leaders used the technique of "argument by mere assertion" and did not even try to back up their baseless claims with their usual favorite means, i. e., strawman argument, appeal to authority, argumentum ad hominem, argumentum ad populum etc.
You’re right about the varying symptoms. We are unvaccinated and some of my work friends. It was mild, fatigue wasn’t too long. If I compare to work colleagues and friends who are 25 years younger and all vaccinated are sicker and for longer.