In someone who gets a bivalent mRNA shot, what happens, exactly, when the mRNA for BOTH subvariants of the spike is active in the same cell? Such cells are NOT going to just produce two kinds of spikes (Wuhan and Omicron). They’re going to produce hybrid spikes using various combinations of the proteins that normally combine to form the spikes of the two subvariants. The spikes are each made of many subunit peptides and proteins that are generated by ribosomes from the mRNA and THEN self-assemble to form the subunits containing three ribosome-generated copies of each spike subunit protein that then have to assemble together to form each spike. So does this mean that such cell will “normally” turn out a large number of DIFFERENT spike proteins? It does.
I note that per https://www.nature.com/articles/s41401-020-0485-4 :
“The total length of SARS-CoV-2 S is 1273 aa and consists of a signal peptide (amino acids 1–13) located at the N-terminus, the S1 subunit (14–685 residues), and the S2 subunit (686–1273 residues); the last two regions are responsible for receptor binding and membrane fusion, respectively. In the S1 subunit, there is an N-terminal domain (14–305 residues) and a receptor-binding domain (RBD, 319–541 residues); the fusion peptide (FP) (788–806 residues), heptapeptide repeat sequence 1 (HR1) (912–984 residues), HR2 (1163–1213 residues), TM domain (1213–1237 residues), and cytoplasm domain (1237–1273 residues) comprise the S2 subunit (Fig. 2a) [13].”
We can confirm in Fig. 2a of this peer-reviewed article clear confirmation that the spike is NOT created in one go by a ribosome reading and connecting the 1274 aa (amino acids) in sequence. Rather, these proteins and peptides are made from S1 and S2 proteins, which in turn are made of NTD, RBD, FP, HR1, NR2, TM, and CT proteins.
There are mutations within (that is, differences between) the genetic sequences of at least each of these proteins: NTD, RBD, FP, and HR1 between tozinameran and riltozinameran or famtozinameran.
So with 2 options for each of 3x4=12 locations, we have 2^12 - over one thousand combinations. We don’t know how each of these thousand different spike proteins will act in the human body. We have no idea. It’s likely they would all be created, but we don’t know. (I speculate that maybe some combinations wouldn’t self assemble, or would assemble into something totally unexpected.) Yet we’re (indirectly) injecting them into billions of people. They have only existed since this bivalent vaccine started being used, and ~99.8% of them have not been studied at all.
What am I missing?
[edit: Edgar, your “answer” below demonstrates no understanding of the question and makes no attempt to answer it – the actual question I asked. I’m asking a scientific question. Please don’t use it as a soapbox for proselytizing. I'm a fan of the mRNA therapy platform - and this wrinkle is concerning. I’m looking for an answer that shows expertise in protein assembly.
- Also, technically, you’re spreading misinformation as, for example, it is inaccurate to claim that the bivalent vaccines have been through reported clinical trials. They have not. (If that changes in the future, do point to it at ClinicalTrials dot gov or point to the literature if there’s one I’m not aware of.) Also, “no evidence” you say? Heck, *according to Pfizer*: “Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart) have occurred in some people who have received … Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent. The observed risk is higher among adolescent males and adult males under 40 years of age than among females and older males, and the observed risk is highest in males 12 through 17 years of age. In most of these people, symptoms began within a few days following receipt of the second dose of vaccine. The chance of having this occur is very low”
It is not accurate to say that people who have received a bivalent COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (such as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine) are at greater risk of harm due to multiple copies of different spike proteins in their bodies. The spike protein is a vital component of the COVID-19 virus and is what enables the virus to enter human cells. The mRNA vaccines developed to protect against COVID-19 contain small pieces of genetic material (mRNA) that encode for the production of the spike protein.
The mRNA vaccines work by prompting the body to produce copies of the spike protein, which triggers an immune response. The body recognizes the spike protein as foreign and produces antibodies to attack it. This immune response helps to protect against future COVID-19 infections. The mRNA vaccines do not contain live viruses, so they cannot cause COVID-19 infection.
There is no evidence to suggest that the presence of multiple copies of the spike protein in the body following vaccination with an mRNA vaccine is harmful. The mRNA vaccines are safe and effective in clinical trials and have been authorized for emergency use by regulatory agencies worldwide.
It is important to note that all vaccines, including mRNA vaccines, can cause side effects in some people. These side effects are typically mild and resolve independently within a few days. However, you should seek medical attention if you experience severe side effects after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
This claim, from my point of view, is inaccurate, since there are many viruses that attack cells in the human body, and it is illogical for them to change genes. Also, these vaccines are from companies that are supposed to have certificates from the World Health Organization.
3/2/23:See update at the bottom of the OP and this post!
12/29/22: Will no one seriously address the question? I can't find any discussion of it elsewhere, and I can't believe I'm the first person to be concerned about this.
I'm a fan of the mRNA therapy platform - and this wrinkle is concerning.
@Hussein-Kzar: Which of these 14 claims are you saying are inaccurate? Be specific.
0.0: The Pfizer quotation regarding risk of myocarditis.
0.1: This elevated risk is, to some degree, 'dangerous'.
1: The constructed spike protein is a trimer of three copies of 7 constituent proteins (subunit peptides).
2: The bivalent vaccine mRNA codes for proteins that individually would normally assemble into two kinds of spikes (those on the surface of the Wuhan and Omicron strains, respectively).
3: But when made in the same cell, they’re going to produce hybrid spikes using various combinations of the proteins that normally combine to form the spikes of the two variants.
4: The spikes are each made of many subunit peptides and proteins that are generated by ribosomes from the mRNA and THEN self-assemble to form the subunits containing three ribosome-generated copies of each spike subunit protein that then have to assemble together to form each spike.
5: I accurately quoted from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41401-020-0485-4. 6: We can confirm in Fig. 2a of this peer-reviewed article clear confirmation that the spike is NOT created in one go by a ribosome reading and connecting the 1274 aa (amino acids) in sequence.
7:Rather, these proteins and peptides are made from S1 and S2 proteins, which in turn are made of NTD, RBD, FP, HR1, NR2, TM, and CT proteins. 8: There are mutations within (that is, differences between) the genetic sequences of at least each of these proteins: NTD, RBD, FP, and HR1.
9: So with 2 options for each of 3x4=12 locations, we have 2^12 - over a thousand combinations.
10: We don’t know how each of these thousand+ different spike proteins will act in the human body.
11: We’re (indirectly) injecting them into billions of people.
12: They have only existed since this bivalent vaccine started being used, and ~99.8% of them have not been studied at all.
(PS You imply I indicated the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccine or Wuhan or Omicron strains would change genes. False. This seems to be a straw man logical fallacy. Please don't put words in my mouth. )
Perhaps my question could be simplified? It seems not to be understood by those posting answers.
1/11 Update: Someone has challenged claim 6 (and thus 7) off-site. It is possible I misinterpreted Fig. 2a... if so, we are looking at only the 1/3 and 2/3 Omicron spike protein spikes being wildcards.
But why does this post now say at the bottom: Clarified the problem, .... – Deleted account?
📷Deleted account??
Dear Hussein,
Your statement is not entirely accurate. The mRNA vaccines do not change an individual's genetic makeup; they instruct the body to produce a harmless piece of the virus (the spike protein) which triggers an immune response. This immune response helps protect against future COVID-19 infections. The mRNA vaccines are safe and have been authorized for emergency use by regulatory agencies worldwide, including the World Health Organization (WHO). It's important to note that all vaccines, including mRNA vaccines, can cause side effects in some people. Still, these are typically mild and resolve independently within a few days. If you have concerns, it is best to consult with a medical professional or seek guidance from reputable sources such as WHO or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Yours sincerely,
Edgar M Cambaza