Spike Protein: a Proven Psycho-pathogenic Factor

During  COVID-19 disease, the release of the S Protein can occur via a variety of mechanisms including

• exocellular direct shedding or
• cellular processes like protein cleavage and
• exosome release.

As a result, S protein can circulate in the blood. The circulating S protein can include both the S1 and S2 subunits. The S protein is initially synthesized as a single polypeptide and then cleaved into the S1 and S2 subunits by host cell proteases. The S1 subunit is responsible for binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on host cells, while the S2 subunit mediates the fusion of the viral and host cell membranes.

Both whole S protein and its S1 subunit can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause neuro-inflammation through interaction with microglia and mast cells. Indeed, a very recent study, published in the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, noted the expression of spike protein in cerebral arteries 17 months post vaccination.

Whole SARS-CoV-2 virus can also penetrate the blood-brain barrier, but it causes neuro-inflammation through stimulation of astrocytes not microglia. Depending upon the site, intensity, and character of the neuroinflammation, this process can produce either classic neurological diseases or cause mental health issues including the cognitive deficit of long COVID.

Recent studies have indicated that the S1 sub unit can induce cognitive deficits and anxiety-like behavior by causing neuronal cell death in the hippocampus and by activating glial cells, which release pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β.

This suggests a non-cell autonomous mechanism whereby the spike protein indirectly causes neuronal damage via glial activation. Additionally, the spike protein can act as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), engaging Toll-like receptors (TLR2 and TLR4) on microglia, leading to neuro-inflammatory responses. This includes the release of cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF, which contribute to neuro-inflammation and behavioral changes.

Moreover, the spike protein’s disruption of the blood-brain barrier allows it to enter the central nervous system and directly affect brain cells. The peri-vascular inflammation and neuronal damage further contribute to the cognitive and psychiatric symptoms observed in COVID-19 patients.

As we have seen in my two previous newsletters, the same spike protein that was shown to cause serious mental health issues in patients with COVID-19, causes similar harms when produced by the mRNA vaccine. For example, Oldfield et al. discuss the possibility of spike protein crossing the blood-brain barrier and causing inflammation. Those authors point out that available data indicates that the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 and even those generated by current mRNA vaccines can cross the blood-brain barrier and may cause inflammation or blood clots in the brain. Therefore, if vaccine-induced expression of spike proteins is not confined to the injection site, COVID-19 vaccines may be implicated in the induction of mental health issues similar to those seen in patients with COVID-19.

Similarly, Khayat-Khoei et al. reported several cases of CNS inflammation following mRNA vaccination. Specifically, they described clinical and MRI features of neuro-inflammation and demyelination in seven individuals who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Within 21 days of the vaccine administration these patients developed neurologic symptoms and MRI findings consistent with active CNS demyelination involving brain, optic nerve, and/or spinal cord. The authors point out that their findings are consistent with previous anecdotal reports suggesting that the vaccines may be associated with neuro-inflammatory processes involving brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system.

In 2023, Russian scientists published a meticulous review of experimental studies on humans and rodents regarding the biodistribution of mRNA vaccines, their constituents (mRNA and lipid nanoparticles), and their encoded antigens (S proteins). Those authors expressed surprise that although the mRNA vaccines have been used on a massive scale for more than three years the complete picture of the biodistribution of its components and products is still not well established. It took the scholars who are outside of the area of American academic influence to note the negative evidence related to the subject of biodistribution of the spike proteins generated by the novel vaccine.

Similarly, South Korean researchers were daring enough to perform a large population-based cohort study of psychiatric adverse effects of COVID-19.123 The cumulative incidences per 10,000 of mental health issues were assessed in one week, two weeks, one month, and three months after COVID-19 vaccination in the large cohort containing 2,027,353 patients. Authors concluded that COVID-19 vaccination significantly increased the risks of depression; anxiety, dissociative, stress-related, and somatoform disorders; and sleep disorders. However, it reduced the risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They recommended that special cautions are necessary for administering additional COVID-19 vaccinations to populations vulnerable to mental health issues.