Reference:
Boschi, C., Scheim, D. E., Bancod, A., Millitello, M., Le Bideau, M., Colson, P., Fantini, J., & La Scola, B. (2022). SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induces hemagglutination:
Implications for COVID-19 morbidities and therapeutics and for vaccine adverse effects. bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.11.24.517882
Summary:
The study investigates the hemagglutination (HA) induced by SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins from various lineages and its implications for COVID-19 morbidities. The authors found that spike proteins from Wuhan, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants cause aggregation of red blood cells (RBCs), with Omicron requiring lower concentrations for HA. The research also demonstrated that the macrocyclic lactone ivermectin (IVM) could inhibit and reverse HA, suggesting potential therapeutic applications. The study further explores the electrostatic properties of the spike proteins, revealing that increased positive charge in the Omicron variant may enhance its HA-inducing capacity. These findings raise concerns about the implications of spike protein in vaccine-related adverse effects, particularly regarding its persistence and possible role in blood clotting and endothelial damage seen in severe COVID-19 cases.