German researchers said that they believe - based on laboratory research - that they have found the cause of rare and dangerous blood clots occurring in some of those who received the new Corona virus "Covid-19" vaccines produced by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.
On Wednesday, in a study that experts have not yet reviewed, the researchers said that Covid-19 vaccines that use adenoviruses - which are cold viruses used to transport vaccine materials - send some of their components to the nucleus of cells, where an error may occur in reading some instructions. Making Corona virus proteins.
They indicate that the resulting proteins may lead to coagulation disorders in a small number of recipients.
According to the research conducted by Professor Ralph Marshallik and others from Goethe University, the problem stems from the vaccine delivery mechanism, which includes the entry of the spike protein of the virus into the cell nucleus instead of the cytosol fluid inside the cell. The virus usually produces proteins.
Scientists and drug agencies in the United States and Europe are searching for an explanation for what causes rare clots, but they may be fatal and are accompanied by low platelet counts, prompting some countries to stop or limit the use of the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
"We support ongoing research and analysis of this rare case, while working with health experts and health authorities around the world. We look forward to reviewing and sharing the data as it becomes available," Johnson & Johnson said in an emailed statement.
AstraZeneca declined to comment.
Researchers at Goethe University in Frankfurt and other sites explained in their research paper that vaccines use a different technology known as messenger RNA, such as that developed by BioNTech with Pfizer, and also developed by Moderna. , You transfer the genetic material for the coronavirus protein only to the fluids inside cells, not to the cells' nucleus.
What is the solution?
Professor Marshallik believes that vaccines can be modified to stop this side effect.
The paper suggests that vaccine manufacturers who use adenovirus vectors modify the protein sequence, "to avoid unintended interactions and to increase safety."
How does the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine work?
This vaccine was developed by the British laboratory, AstraZeneca-Oxford, and the technology it uses is the "viral vector", in which it uses another less virulent virus, which is transformed to be added to a part of the Corona virus, and it is introduced The modified virus to the cells of individuals that in turn produce a typical protein for the emerging corona virus "SARS-CoV-2", which will prompt their immune systems to recognize it.
The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine uses an adenovirus as a vector.
How does a Johnson & Johnson vaccine work?
The vaccine was developed by the American company, "The Johnson & Johnson", and is based on a modified adenovirus - a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms - designed to transfer parts of the genetic material from the existing "spike" protein. Coronavirus.