Thread by @ScienceUpFirst

We’re here to set the record straight on spike proteins.

Here’s why the spike proteins generated via the vaccine are safe, activate an effective immune response, and are *not the same* as the spike on the virus.

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First, a little Spike Protein 101

Spike proteins live on the surface of SARS-CoV-2

The virus infects human cells by binding to receptors. Once attached, the spike protein changes shape, letting the virus infiltrate our cells.



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But mRNA vaccines teach our body to make a *modified spike protein*

- This triggers an immune response that teaches our bodies to protect against real SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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Now let’s get into the myths about the Spike protein:

Myth: “The vaccine spikes are the same as the ones on the virus”

Reality: The spike proteins via vaccines are different from the ones found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2.

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Viral spike proteins can shape-shift. Vaccine-generated spike proteins cannot.

- When the viral spike protein fuses to human host cells, it changes shape. Think of it as two phases: pre-fusion and post-fusion. Pre-fusion: short. Post-fusion: long (1).

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Why does the vaccine-generated spike protein not change shape?

- It’s modified to lock into its pre-fusion form with the addition of molecules that keep it in place (2).

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Myth: “Spike proteins from mRNA vaccines “burst” red blood cells”

Reality: A COVID-19 infection can damage red blood cells. This can lower levels of oxygen in the blood (3). The vaccine does not damage red blood cells.

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One study has found tiny amounts of spike protein in the blood following the first dose of an mRNA vaccine (4).

Misrepresentations of this study suggest the vaccine somehow harms red blood cells. There is no evidence of this.

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Myth: “Spike proteins from COVID vaccines are damaging organs.

Reality: Viral spike proteins can damage organs. Vaccine-generated spike proteins cannot.

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A study has found that *viral spike proteins* can promote lung and artery injury (5).

But, there is no evidence to suggest that vaccine-generated spike proteins damage organs.

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Myth: “Spike proteins from vaccines harm your ovaries”

Reality: No ovary damage from vaccines. Data on lipids, not spike proteins, is being misrepresented (6).

There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine harms ovaries or fertility.

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- Vaccine generated spikes are *not* the same as the ones on the virus
- Vaccine generated spikes are safe
- Vaccine generated spikes activate an effective immune response
- Vaccine generated spikes do not harm your organs, red blood cells, or ovaries

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Need even more Spike Protein content?! We have just the post for you:

https://twitter.com/ScienceUpFirst/status/1404528929159921667

Questions about vaccines? Leave a comment or send us a DM!

References: tinyurl.com/SUFSpikeDebunks

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