Scientists Figured Out the Problem with Johnson and Johnson's Covid Vaccine

6 hours ago

Scientists identified a genetic cause for rare but dangerous blood clotting linked to Johnson & Johnson’s and AstraZeneca’s COVID vaccines.
The condition, called VITT (vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia), was found to be a response to the adenovirus used in the vaccines, particularly in individuals with specific genetic variants.
Researchers discovered that antibodies in affected patients could bind to both a portion of the adenovirus and a body molecule (PF4) involved in blood clotting, leading to the adverse reaction.
The study revealed that having certain DNA variants was a strong risk factor for developing VITT, but additional genetic changes in immune cells were also necessary for the condition to manifest.
This research could help improve adenovirus-based vaccine design by avoiding the protein region that triggers dangerous antibodies, making future vaccines safer.
The findings may also provide insights into why some infections cause blood clotting, as the study highlights how similarities between virus particles and body proteins can confuse the immune system.
Understanding these mechanisms could enhance public trust in vaccines and aid in developing better vaccines for future pandemics and diseases affecting low- and middle-income countries.

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