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 how the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein facilitates hemagglutination (HA) in red blood cells (RBCs), with potential implications for COVID-19 severity and vaccine side effects. Using spike proteins from various lineages (Wuhan, Alpha, Delta, Omicron), researchers found that all variants induced HA, with Omicron being particularly potent. The study explored the role of electrostatic charge and glycan-binding sites, demonstrating that ivermectin could inhibit and reverse HA. The findings underline the importance of glycan interactions in COVID-19 pathology and suggest therapeutic avenues, particularly regarding the risks associated with mRNA vaccines that utilise spike proteins.