A small study has identified potential immunological patterns associated with post-vaccination syndrome, a rare condition that occurs in some people after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The study found that individuals with the condition had lower levels of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and higher levels of immune cells that secrete tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
Researchers analyzed blood samples from 42 people with post-vaccination syndrome and 22 healthy controls, revealing a subset of patients had high levels of circulating spike protein in their blood. This finding is surprising, as it suggests the spike protein can remain detectable for an extended period.
The study’s lead author, Akiko Iwasaki, notes that there is little known about post-vaccination syndrome and its causes. Further research is needed to understand the biology behind this condition, including whether the spike protein contributes to illness in affected individuals.
Previous studies have linked persistent spike protein levels to long COVID, as well as EBV reactivation. Individuals with post-vaccination syndrome often experience exercise intolerance and neurologic problems, similar to those reported by long COVID patients.
While the study’s findings are promising, its small sample size limits its conclusions. Gregory Poland, a vaccine expert, acknowledges that post-vaccination syndrome is real but emphasizes the need for larger studies to confirm these results. He suggests that further research could lead to the development of therapeutic approaches to address this condition.
Source: https://www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/generalneurology/114306