Two recent research papers, amongst others that I reference below, one from universities in Australia, published in the journal Biomedicines (2023), and the other published in the International Journal of Molecular Science (2024), give us some clues, along with a paper published by the largest medical journal publisher in the world, Elsevier, in Clinical Immunology.

SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein pathogenicity suggests the protein might cause damage or overstimulate immune responses.

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein specifically binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on host cells, contributing to SARS-CoV-2’s increased infectivity.

Repeated exposure to the spike protein has a profound effect for the immune systems of some people, leading to immune system exhaustion and dysregulation. It is clear that, due to some of the mechanisms below, people’s immune systems are not as able to deal with infections as they had been in the past. This results in a greater number of infections, as well as ones that the patient just cannot ‘shake off’ as they might have done previously.

Depleted or Exhausted Neutrophils

Neutrophils are white blood cells that fight infections and heal wounds. Research indicates that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 has detrimental effects on neutrophils, which can lead to their depletion or functional exhaustion. Low white blood cell count can lead to more frequent infections.

 

Spike Protein-Induced Damage to Neutrophils

SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein has been shown to directly damage neutrophils, exacerbating inflammation. This damage can disrupt their normal functions, resulting in ineffective immune responses during severe infections.

 

Depletion of Neutrophils

Evidence also suggests that the spike protein can activate neutrophils in such a way that leads to increased formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). While the formation of NETs serves to trap pathogens, excessive NETosis can also consume neutrophil resources, contributing to their exhaustion and reducing their availability for subsequent immune responses.

 

Inflammatory and Dysregulated Responses of Neutrophils

COVID-19 patients, the altered activation state of neutrophils often correlates with disease severity. High neutrophil counts coupled with functionalities associated with immune suppression and reduced response capabilities have been observed, indicating a state of exhaustion. This deterioration in neutrophil effectiveness may correlate with higher number of infections, or those ‘hard to shake off’ longer lasting infections.

 

Immature Neutrophil Expansion

During severe disease, there is a notable expansion of immature neutrophils, which are generally less effective. These immature cells further complicate the immune landscape by failing to adequately respond to viral infections, suggesting a mechanism through which the spike protein may lead to a dysfunctional immune response.

 

Implications of Exhausted Neutrophils

Exhausted neutrophils in the context of COVID-19 are linked to an increased risk of tissue damage and prolonged inflammation, which can worsen disease outcomes. The interplay of ineffective neutrophil responses along with the spike protein’s role in inducing dysfunction underscores the critical challenges posed by this virus during severe respiratory illness.

 

Exhaustion of T Cells

T cells, particularly CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, are notably affected by the spike protein.

There are two classes of T-lymphocytes, helper and cytotoxic T-cells, also called CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, respectively.

Helper T-cells activate macrophages and cytotoxic cells and stimulate antibody synthesis in B lymphocytes. Cytotoxic cells are involved in directly killing intracellular and extracellular pathogens and eliminating mutated and cancerous cells.

The spike protein exploits ACE2 signaling to suppress the assembly of immunological synapses, which are crucial for the effective functioning of these T cells. Additionally, T cell exhaustion is a significant concern in COVID-19, where T effector cells (Teff) and T regulatory cells (Tregs) exhibit uncontrolled functions and over-activation, leading to immune dysfunction and potentially severe inflammation.

 

Dysregulation of B Cells

B cells are at the centre of the adaptive humoral immune system and are responsible for mediating the production of antigen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) directed against invasive pathogens (typically known as antibodies). B cells are affected by the spike protein through differential activation and the production of cross-reactive antibodies. This response is part of the broader immune dysregulation observed in COVID-19.

Conversely, the increase of IgG4 antibodies induced by spike protein dampens down the immune response, particularly to the detection of cancer cells in the body. I spoke with a world renowned oncologist and vaccinologist, who stated that this severe dampening effect on the immune system is the same as taking anti-rejection drugs in transplant patients. Published in this paper – Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein on the Innate Immune System: A Review

“Interestingly, this IgG4 production was detected following SARS-CoV-2 infection and after administration of anti-COVID-19 products, perfectly suggesting both the allergenic and tolerogenic side of the Spike protein and, thus, the production of this type of antibody by repeated exposure to this viral component.”

 

Dysfunction of Natural Killer (NK) Cells and Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs)

Natural Killer (NK) Cells are lymphocytes in the same family as T and B cells, coming from a common progenitor. However, as cells of the innate immune system, NK cells respond quickly to a wide variety of pathological challenges. NK cells are best known for killing virally infected cells, and detecting and controlling early signs of cancer.

These cells also show signs of exhaustion and dysfunction in the presence of the spike protein. The over-activation of these cells can contribute to uncontrollable inflammation and cytokine storms, which are detrimental to the host.

Termed ‘spikeopathy’, whether from the SARS-CoV-2 virus or produced by vaccine gene codes, these effects are increasingly understood in terms of molecular biology and pathophysiology.

Mechanisms and Spikeopathy

1. Persistent antigen exposure: Continuous presence of the spike protein can lead to chronic stimulation and eventual exhaustion of immune cells.

2. Cytokine storm: In severe cases, overproduction of inflammatory cytokines can lead to immune cell dysfunction and depletion.

3. Direct viral infection: Some immune cells expressing ACE2 receptors may be directly infected by the virus, leading to cell death or dysfunction.

4. PANoptosis: A process involving the co-activation of pyroptosis, necroptosis, and apoptosis pathways, which may contribute to lymphopenia (depletion of white blood cells) and tissue damage.

5. Epigenetic changes: Prolonged exposure to the spike protein can induce epigenetic modifications in immune cells, particularly in the transcription of inhibitory checkpoint molecules.

There’s growing concern about the pathogenicity of the spike protein itself, not just when part of the virus but also when produced by the body post-vaccination, as per this paper – COVID-19, post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS, “long COVID”) and post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (PCVS, “post-COVIDvac-syndrome”): Similarities and differences again published by Elsevier.

This phenomenon has been termed “spikeopathy,” suggesting the protein might cause damage or overstimulate immune responses.

What can you do?

So, what can be done about this phenomenon of recurrent illnesses? I would like to keep things simple, so I am recommending an easy three pronged approach, utilizing the three R’s – Reduce, Remove, Rebalance

• Reduce inflammation
• Remove spike protein
• Rebalance the immune system

 

Reducing inflammation

There are obviously many dietary steps that you could take, removing a whole lot of foods and introducing a whole lot of other foods, but I want to keep it basic and simple. Here are three dietary steps you can take today to help reduce inflammation in your body:

1. Reduce refined sugars
2. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit
3. Limit or avoid alcohol

Again, there are many supplements that purport to reduce inflammation, and I have picked three of the best. Three supplements that help to reduce inflammation in your body:

1. Serrapeptase
2. Curcumin
3. Omega 3 fatty acids

By reducing stress and consequently the stress hormone Cortisol, you can reduce inflammation.  Three lifestyle changes that help to reduce inflammation in the body:

1. Meditation
2. Mindfulness
3. Moderate exercise

Removing Spike Protein

If, as more and more papers are recognizing the spike protein is a key part of the problem by dysregulating the immune system and exacerbating inflammation, then removing the spike protein as much as possible makes a lot of sense. Three supplements that help remove spike protein from the body:

1. Bromelain
2. Nattokinase
3. Curcumin

Rebalancing your Immune System

Three supplements that help balance your immune system:

1. Colostrum
2. Vitamin D
3. Vitamin C