Could the Spike Protein Derived from mRNA Vaccines Negatively Impact Beneficial Bacteria in the Gut?

"Abstract

The emergence of mRNA vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 has opened a new page in vaccine development. Nevertheless, concerns of experts have been expressed about unintentional side effects on the gut microbiota (GM). Previous studies showed that this virus acts as a bacteriophage, which infects and destroys specific bacterial strains in the GM...

3. The Hypothesis

The present work proposes that the synthetic spike protein can enter the intestinal cells and trigger an inflammatory response, thus affecting the delicate balance between the GM and intestinal cells. Such dysbiosis could cause dysfunction or even death of these beneficial bacteria...

6. Discussion

... Investigating whether the spike protein from vaccines can directly or indirectly interact with and potentially harm the GM is essential for several reasons:

1. The GM affects digestion, metabolism, immunological response, and even neurological functions. It is essential for preserving general health. This delicate ecosystem might be altered if the spike protein or its components were discovered to interact with and damage beneficial commensal bacteria in the gut.
   
   
2. Proper development and control of the immune system depend on gut microbes. Dysbiosis, or changes in the GM composition, has been connected to several immune-related diseases and disorders. Investigating the potential effects of the spike protein on the GM could provide insight into possible immune dysregulation mechanisms.
   
   
3. The ACE2 receptor is the primary route via which SARS-CoV-2 infects human cells; however, the spike protein may also interact with other receptors or parts of the cell, such as those found on the surface of bacteria. Studying these interactions is intriguing from a scientific standpoint because it may shed light on hitherto undiscovered aspects of viral biology and host-virus dynamics...

The reduction in Bifidobacterium abundance found by Hazan et al. after the administration of mRNA vaccines should be further investigated, because there is a growing body of research suggesting a connection between reduced Bifidobacterium abundance and colorectal cancer."