When discussing the chances of short term or long term adverse health effects of covid-19 vaccinations, and MIT homeopathy ways to combat them, first of all we have to study about the molecular components of the vaccine formulations, biological ligands and their functional groups involved in their actions. It is these biological ligands with typical functional groups that contribute to their specific immunogenicity, stability, and of course, the probable harmful effects.
COVID-19 vaccines are prepared using different technologies, each targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s spike protein, which is crucial for the virus’s ability to infect human cells.
1. mRNA Vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna etc : Functional Group is mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles. The mRNA provides the genetic instructions for human cells to produce a modified version of the virus’s spike protein, eliciting an immune response without causing disease.
2. Viral Vector Vaccines such as AstraZeneca-Oxford, Johnson & Johnson: Functional Group is on-replicating viral vector (commonly adenovirus). These vaccines use a harmless virus (not the coronavirus) as a delivery system. This vector virus carries the gene that codes for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, prompting the body to produce it and trigger an immune response.
3. Protein Subunit Vaccines such as Novavax: Functional Groups are spike protein subunits. These vaccines include harmless pieces (proteins) of the virus instead of the whole virus. The immune system recognizes these proteins as foreign, triggering an immune response.
4. Inactivated or Live Attenuated Vaccines such as Sinovac’s CoronaVac: Functional Groups are whole virus that has been killed (inactivated) or weakened (live attenuated). These vaccines use the entire virus but in a form that cannot cause disease. They induce an immune response against multiple viral components, not just the spike protein.
Each type of vaccine aims to teach the immune system to recognize and combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus effectively by targeting its spike protein, which is essential for the virus to enter human cells.
When discussing the biological ligands and their functional groups involved in COVID-19 vaccinations, we primarily consider the molecular components of the vaccine formulations that interact directly with the immune system. These ligands typically have specific functional groups that contribute to their immunogenicity and stability.
Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 the virus that causes COVID-19, is a critical structural protein that plays a key role in the virus’s ability to infect host cells. It is the target of most vaccines and therapeutic antibodies developed to combat the virus. The spike protein is a trimeric glycoprotein that protrudes from the viral surface, giving the virus its characteristic “crown-like” appearance under a microscope, which is the reason coronaviruses are so named. Each spike protein is composed of three identical monomers that form a complex. This protein is heavily glycosylated, which helps it evade the host’s immune system. The spike protein can be divided into two main subunits: S1 Subunit of the spike protein is responsible for binding to the host cell receptor. It contains the receptor-binding domain (RBD), which directly interacts with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on the surface of human cells. This interaction is crucial for viral entry into the host cell. S2 Subunit of the protein is involved in the fusion of the viral and cellular membranes, a critical step that allows the virus to enter host cells. After the S1 subunit binds to the ACE2 receptor, the S2 subunit undergoes a conformational change that facilitates membrane fusion.
Understanding the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is fundamental to the efforts in managing and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the development of effective vaccines and therapies. The primary function of the spike protein is to facilitate the entry of the virus into host cells. The RBD in the S1 subunit binds to the ACE2 receptor on the host cell, Binding to the receptor triggers a conformational change in the spike protein that exposes or activates the S2 subunit. The S2 subunit then mediates the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane, allowing the viral genome to enter the host cell and begin the infection process. Most COVID-19 vaccines developed (including mRNA vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and viral vector vaccines like Oxford-AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson) are designed to elicit an immune response specifically against the spike protein. By immunizing the body against the spike protein, these vaccines prepare the immune system to recognize and fight the actual virus if the person is exposed to it. Therapeutic antibodies against COVID-19 are also primarily directed at the spike protein, especially the RBD of the S1 subunit, to block the virus from binding to ACE2 receptors and prevent infection.
Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 contains a variety of amino acids that present a wide range of functional groups, including amine (-NH2), carboxyl (-COOH), hydroxyl (-OH), and thiol (-SH) groups. These groups are critical for the protein’s structure, antigenicity, and interaction with immune cells. Concerns often involve mutations in the spike protein, which can affect the virus’s infectivity and the effectiveness of vaccines and therapeutics. Monitoring these mutations is critical for public health responses and vaccine updates.
Most COVID-19 vaccines developed (including mRNA vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and viral vector vaccines like Oxford-AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson) are designed to elicit an immune response specifically against the spike protein. By immunizing the body against the spike protein, these vaccines prepare the immune system to recognize and fight the actual virus if the person is exposed to it. Therapeutic antibodies against COVID-19 are also primarily directed at the spike protein, especially the RBD of the S1 subunit, to block the virus from binding to ACE2 receptors and prevent infection. Variants of concern often involve mutations in the spike protein, which can affect the virus’s infectivity and the effectiveness of vaccines and therapeutics. Monitoring these mutations is critical for public health responses and vaccine updates.
Understanding the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is fundamental to the ongoing efforts in managing and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the development of effective vaccines and therapies.
mRNA vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA) technology to trigger an immune response against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. mRNA is composed of nucleotides that include phosphate groups (-PO4), ribose sugars (pentose with hydroxyl groups), and nitrogenous bases. The mRNA is encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles that include lipids with ester (-COO-) or amine (-NH2) groups for stability and delivery. mRNA vaccines have played a pivotal role in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two of the most prominent mRNA vaccines are those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) and Moderna.
mRNA vaccines contain synthetic mRNA that encodes the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This mRNA is formulated within lipid nanoparticles that protect the mRNA and help deliver it into the host cells after injection. Once administered, the lipid nanoparticles facilitate the entry of the mRNA into human cells, particularly those near the vaccination site. Inside the cells, the mRNA sequence is read by the cell’s ribosomes to synthesize the spike protein characteristic of SARS-CoV-2. This process mimics the natural process of mRNA translation into proteins. The newly synthesized spike proteins are displayed on the cell surface, where they are recognized by the immune system. This recognition does not cause disease but triggers the immune system to react. This includes the production of antibodies and activation of T-cells to fight off what it perceives as an infection. This immune reaction is logged in the body’s immune memory. Thus, if the individual is later exposed to the actual SARS-CoV-2 virus, the immune system can quickly recognize and combat the virus, preventing serious illness.
mRNA vaccines can be developed faster than traditional vaccines because they are produced using the genetic sequence of the virus, which can be synthesized once the genetic information of the virus is known. mRNA vaccines have shown high efficacy in preventing COVID-19 infection, as evidenced by large-scale clinical trials and real-world data. mRNA technology allows for quick adaptation of the vaccine in response to virus mutations. This is crucial for addressing emerging variants of the virus. One challenge with mRNA vaccines is their need for cold storage to maintain stability. Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine requires storage at ultra-cold temperatures (around -70°C), while Moderna’s vaccine can be stored at -20°C, which is more typical for many pharmaceuticals.
Clinical trials and ongoing surveillance have shown that mRNA vaccines are safe, with most side effects being mild and temporary, such as sore arms, fatigue, and fever. These vaccines have demonstrated high efficacy in preventing COVID-19 infection and are particularly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The use of mRNA technology in COVID-19 vaccines marks a significant advancement in vaccine science, offering a flexible approach to dealing with pandemic threats. This technology is not only pivotal for COVID-19 but also holds promise for other infectious diseases and medical applications, such as cancer treatment.
MF59 is an adjuvant used in some vaccines to enhance the immune response and increase the efficacy of the vaccine. It’s composed of squalene, which is a natural organic compound, polysorbate 80, and sorbitan trioleate, all in an oil-in-water emulsion. Although MF59 has been utilized successfully in flu vaccines such as the Fluad influenza vaccine, it is not used in the currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines. Adjuvants like MF59 work by boosting the body’s immune response to the vaccine. This is achieved by mimicking a natural infection and stimulating the immune system to act more efficiently and effectively against the introduced antigen (the virus component targeted by the vaccine).
MF59 attracts immune cells to the injection site and enhances their response to the vaccine’s antigen. This results in a stronger and potentially more durable immune memory against the specific pathogen. MF59 has been widely studied and is known for its safety and effectiveness in increasing vaccine efficacy, especially among populations such as the elderly who might have weaker responses to vaccines. While it is not a component in COVID-19 vaccines, its use in seasonal flu vaccines could inform future vaccine formulations, especially as researchers look to broaden protection against multiple or new strains of viruses. While not currently used, adjuvants like MF59 could potentially be considered in future iterations or different types of COVID-19 vaccines, particularly if there is a need to enhance immune responses in specific populations or against variant strains. While MF59 is an effective adjuvant used in flu vaccines, it has not been used in COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines have relied on other formulations and technologies, such as mRNA for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, and viral vector platforms for AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. However, the use of adjuvants remains a critical area of research in the development of future vaccine strategies.
AS03 is an adjuvant system used in some vaccines, including the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, designed to enhance the immune response. AS03 is an oil-in-water emulsion, and it consists of several key components, each with specific functional groups that contribute to its effectiveness. Squalene is a natural organic compound that is a precursor in the synthesis of steroids, including cholesterol and vitamin D in humans, as well as other sterols in plants and microorganisms. It is a triterpene, a type of hydrocarbon derived biochemically from units of isoprene, which is a key building block in the vast family of natural compounds known as terpenes. Squalene is characterized by a structure consisting of six double bonds and a long hydrocarbon chain (C30H50). Squalene’s structure primarily consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms, making it a highly hydrophobic molecule. It features six non-conjugated double bonds, which provide some degree of unsaturation and reactivity. These double bonds are crucial for the subsequent steps in steroid biosynthesis, particularly during the squalene epoxidation to lanosterol, which eventually leads to the synthesis of various sterols. The primary biological function of squalene is as a central precursor molecule in the biosynthesis of sterols. In animals, squalene is converted into lanosterol, which is then transformed into cholesterol and other steroids. In plants and fungi, similar pathways transform squalene into different important sterols and triterpenoids. Squalene has been observed to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage by reactive oxygen species. This is particularly relevant in skin health, where squalene is a component of sebum, helping to protect the skin from oxidative damage. Squalene is used as an adjuvant in some vaccines to enhance the immune response. As an adjuvant, it helps stimulate the immune system’s response to the antigen in the vaccine, thereby increasing its effectiveness.
Squalene doesn’t have functional groups like hydroxyl or carboxyl groups but is significant for its hydrophobic properties that contribute to the formation of the oil phase in the emulsion. DL-α-tocopherol (Vitamin E) molecule contains a phenolic group, which is essential for its antioxidant properties. The phenol group (-OH) attached to an aromatic ring is crucial for capturing free radicals, thereby protecting the vaccine formulation and the body’s cells from oxidative damage. Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifying agent made from polyoxyethylene sorbitan and oleic acid. Polysorbate 80 contains several functional groups: ester groups (-COO-) formed from the reaction between the carboxylic acid groups of fatty acids and hydroxyl groups of sorbitol, ether groups (-O-) are present in the polyoxyethylene part of the molecule, enhancing the solubility in water, and Hydroxyl groups (-OH) that are part of the sorbitol backbone and contribute to the hydrophilicity of the molecule, which helps stabilize the emulsion by reducing surface tension between the oil and water phases. These components together create an environment that supports a robust immune response by maintaining the stability of the vaccine and enhancing the delivery of the antigens.
Each of these components is crucial for vaccine function, enhancing the delivery and presentation of the antigen (like the spike protein), ensuring stability of the vaccine formula, and promoting a robust immune response.
Aluminum Salts used in some other vaccines feature aluminum ions that can interact with phosphate groups (-PO4) and negatively charged groups on proteins and cell membranes. Aluminum ions, specifically in the form of aluminum salts like aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, or alum, have been used for decades as adjuvants in vaccines. An adjuvant is a substance added to a vaccine to enhance the immune response of the vaccinated individual, helping to generate a stronger and longer-lasting immunity against infectious diseases. Aluminium ions function as adjuvants in vaccines, including those for COVID-19. Aluminium adjuvants primarily work by providing a physical ‘depot’ at the site of injection. This depot traps the antigen (the molecule that triggers the immune response) and slowly releases it over time. This prolonged exposure enhances the immune system’s ability to detect and respond to the antigen. The presence of aluminium ions induces a local inflammatory response. This recruits immune cells to the site of injection and activates them, which is crucial for initiating the adaptive immune response. Aluminium adjuvants also promote the uptake of antigens by antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells. These cells process the antigen and present its fragments on their surface to T-cells, initiating a targeted immune response. Regarding COVID-19 vaccines, not all types use aluminium adjuvants. The mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) do not contain aluminum, relying instead on lipid nanoparticles to deliver the mRNA into cells. However, some traditional protein-based vaccines against COVID-19 may utilize aluminum adjuvants to boost the immune response to the protein antigens derived from the virus. The inclusion of aluminum adjuvants in some vaccine formulations is based on their proven track record of safety and efficacy in increasing vaccine-induced protection. This approach is particularly beneficial in vaccines targeted at pathogens where a strong humoral immune response (antibody production) is necessary for protection.
Cytokines play a crucial role in the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination, orchestrating the body’s defence mechanisms to build immunity against the virus. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) contributes to inflammation and fever that can occur after vaccination. It’s part of the initial immune response, signalling other immune cells to act. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is significantly involved in the acute phase response to vaccination. It helps in the differentiation of T cells and B cells, which are essential for the adaptive immune response. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is crucial for the activation of T cells and the development of Th1 cells, which are important for a strong cellular immune response against the viral antigens introduced by the vaccine. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is critical for innate and adaptive immunity against viral infections. It is produced by natural killer cells and T cells in response to the signals received from IL-12, enhancing the immune response to the vaccine. Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) is involved in systemic inflammation and is responsible for a wide range of signaling events within cells, leading to necrosis or apoptosis. It is another cytokine that can cause fever and malaise after vaccination as part of the immune response. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine which is also important in regulating the immune response to vaccines by limiting the immune reaction and preventing excessive inflammation, which helps to balance the response and avoid potential vaccine-related adverse effects. These cytokines are part of the complex network of immune signalling that ensures an effective response to vaccination, leading to the development of immunity against COVID-19. 4. Cytokines are proteins with amino acids that provide functional groups like amines, carboxyls, and others, which are essential for receptor binding and signal transduction.
Chemokines play a significant role in the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination by directing the movement of immune cells to the site of antigen exposure, facilitating an organized and effective immune reaction. Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), also known as monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), is a cytokine that belongs to the CC chemokine family. This chemokine plays an essential role in the inflammatory pathway and is involved in a variety of diseases. CCL2 plays a significant role in the immune response, which is crucial for the effectiveness of vaccines. During vaccination, the goal is to elicit a strong and specific immune response that can produce lasting immunity against the pathogen the vaccine targets. CCL2 is primarily involved in recruiting monocytes and other immune cells to the site of inflammation. When a vaccine is administered, it often induces a controlled inflammatory response. CCL2 is released as part of this response and helps in recruiting immune cells to the site of vaccination, where they can encounter the antigen. By recruiting monocytes and dendritic cells to the site where the vaccine antigens are present, CCL2 facilitates the uptake of these antigens by antigen-presenting cells. This is crucial for the initiation of the adaptive immune response, as these cells process the antigens and present them on their surface, which is necessary for T-cell activation. Some studies suggest that CCL2 can act as a natural adjuvant, enhancing the immune response to vaccines. Adjuvants are substances included in some vaccines to enhance the immunogenicity of the primary antigen. Including chemokines like CCL2 or modulating their pathways could potentially increase vaccine efficacy.
CCL2 (MCP-1) recruits monocytes, memory T cells, and dendritic cells to the site of vaccination. CCL2 is important for initiating and sustaining an inflammatory response, which is crucial for the development of vaccine-induced immunity. CXCL10 (IP-10) is induced by interferon-gamma and is critical for the recruitment of T cells, particularly activated T cells, to the site of inflammation. It plays a role in enhancing the T-cell-mediated immune response, which is essential for effective vaccination outcomes. CCL3 (MIP-1α) and CCL4 (MIP-1β) are involved in the recruitment of leukocytes, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and NK cells, to the site of the vaccine injection. They are important for initiating early immune responses and for the activation of other immune cells. CXCL8 (IL-8), although typically associated with neutrophil recruitment, can also attract and activate other types of immune cells necessary for building a robust immune response to the vaccine. Similar to CXCL10, chemokine CXCL9 (MIG) is produced in response to IFN-γ and is involved in the recruitment of T cells to the site of the vaccine administration, facilitating the development of adaptive immunity. These chemokines orchestrate a comprehensive and targeted immune response to COVID-19 vaccination, ensuring that the appropriate immune cells are activated and deployed to effectively respond to the vaccine antigens. This coordinated action helps in the development of strong and lasting immunity against the virus. These chemokines orchestrate a comprehensive and targeted immune response to COVID-19 vaccination, ensuring that the appropriate immune cells are activated and deployed to effectively respond to the vaccine antigens. This coordinated action helps in the development of strong and lasting immunity against the virus. As proteins, the chemokines will have functional groups provided by amino acids, necessary for receptor interaction and generating chemotactic gradients.
Prostaglandins are a group of lipid compounds that are enzymatically derived from fatty acids and have important functions in the human body, including the regulation of inflammation, blood flow, and pain signaling. These molecules play pivotal roles in the immune system and inflammatory processes, which are also relevant to the effects observed after COVID-19 vaccinations. Prostaglandins, particularly those like PGE2, are crucial mediators of inflammation. Following vaccination, the body’s innate immune response can lead to the increased production of prostaglandins. These molecules help regulate the intensity and duration of the immune response, including the inflammation at the injection site, which is a common side effect of vaccinations. This inflammatory response, while sometimes causing discomfort, is generally a sign of the immune system being activated effectively. Prostaglandins are involved in the mechanisms that cause fever and pain, common side effects of many vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. They act on the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that regulates body temperature) to raise the body’s set-point temperature, resulting in fever. Prostaglandins also sensitize nerve endings to pain, explaining the soreness often experienced at the site of vaccination. Beyond their roles in inflammation and symptomatology, prostaglandins can also influence the adaptive immune response. For instance, PGE2 has been shown to affect the function of dendritic cells and T cells, which are crucial for the body’s ability to generate a specific immune response against the antigen present in the vaccine. By modulating the activity of these cells, prostaglandins can potentially enhance the efficacy of the immune response initiated by vaccines. While general vaccine reactions such as soreness, redness at the injection site, fever, and malaise can be attributed to the effects mediated by prostaglandins, each type of COVID-19 vaccine may interact differently with the immune system’s pathways. mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) and vector vaccines (like AstraZeneca’s and Johnson & Johnson’s) induce robust immune responses that might lead to the increased production of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators as the body builds immunity to SARS-CoV-2. Thus, prostaglandins play complex and multifaceted roles in modulating the effects and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccinations, largely through their regulatory functions in the immune system and inflammatory processes.
MIT HOMEOPATHY PERSPECTIVE OF THERAPEUTICS
Biological ligands are molecules that bind specifically to a target molecule, typically a larger protein. This interaction can regulate the protein’s function or activity in various biological processes. Ligands can be of different types, including small molecules, peptides, nucleotides, and others. In biochemistry and pharmacology, understanding ligands and their interactions with proteins is crucial for drug design and for understanding cellular signalling pathways.
Biological ligands can interact with a variety of molecular targets in the body, each playing a critical role in influencing physiological processes. Ligands can activate or inhibit enzymes, which are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions. For example, many drugs act as enzyme inhibitors to slow down or halt specific metabolic pathways that contribute to disease.
Understanding the interaction between ligands and their molecular targets is crucial for drug development and for comprehending cellular and physiological mechanisms.
Ligands, especially in a biochemical context, often contain specific functional groups that enable them to bind to their molecular targets with high affinity and specificity. Functional groups are particular groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.
Pathogens often mimic host molecules to evade the immune system. For instance, some bacteria express surface proteins with functional groups similar to those found in the host’s tissues, allowing them to blend in and avoid detection by immune cells. When pathogens mimic host molecules too closely, the immune system may develop antibodies or T-cell receptors that react not only against the pathogen but also against the host’s own cells. This molecular mimicry is a known mechanism in the development of autoimmune diseases. For example, the similarity between certain viral proteins and myocardial or pancreatic beta cell antigens can lead to autoimmune reactions against the heart or pancreas.
Pathogenic molecules may mimic the functional groups of endogenous ligands, allowing them to bind to host receptors and either activate them inappropriately or block their normal function. This can disrupt normal cellular signalling and contribute to disease. For example, bacterial toxins often mimic neurotransmitters or hormones, binding to their receptors and causing overstimulation or inhibition of cellular functions. By sharing functional groups with physiological ligands, pathogenic molecules can interfere with normal biochemical pathways. This interference can alter crucial metabolic or signaling pathways, leading to disease symptoms. For example, some viral proteins mimic host enzymes or co-factors and can disrupt metabolic pathways or DNA replication processes.
Understanding the similarity in functional groups also aids in drug development, where therapeutic agents are designed to specifically target pathogenic molecules mimicking host molecules, aiming to block their harmful interactions without affecting the host’s normal physiological processes. The role of similarity in functional groups between biological ligands and pathogenic molecules is a double-edged sword in disease processes, contributing both to pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities.
According to MIT homeopathic perspective, biological ligands potentized above 12 c will contain molecular imprints of constituent functional groups. Molecular imprints of drugs that compete with natural biological ligands for same biological targets also could be used, as both of their functional groups will be similar. These molecular imprints could be used as artificial binding pockets to deactivate any pathogenic molecule that create biomolecular inhibitions by binding to the biological target molecules by their functional groups. As per this approach, therapeutics involves identifying the biological ligands implicated in a particular disease condition, preparing their molecular imprints by homeopathic potentization, and administering those molecular imprints as disease-specific formulations.
As per MIT homeopathy perspective of therapeutics, a formulation containing molecular imprints or 30C potencies of ligands involved in the molecular processes happening in the body following vaccinations could be uses to resolve the harmful effects of vaccinations. They are listed below:
SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein 30, Alpha Tocoferol 30, Squalene 30, Polysorbate- 30, mRNA 30, Aluminium phosphate 30, Polyethyline glycol30, TNF alpha 30, chemokine ligand 2 30, Prostaglandins 30.
REDEFINING HOMEOPATHY 
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