AstraZeneca: This is how sinus vein thrombosis occurs
In the spring of this year, there was an increase in sinus vein thrombosis associated with the AstraZeneca vector vaccine. Due to this possible, serious side effect in younger people, the corona vaccination should only be vaccinated in people over 60. Experts have elucidated the mechanism of the serious complications.
Based on the results of the international research team, the vector vaccine could be further improved.
Altered protein compounds responsible for sinus vein thrombosis
Already at the beginning of the pandemic  , researchers blamed an overreaction of the immune system for the dangerous sinus vein thrombosis.
Through the interaction with the vaccine, the immune system recognizes  an altered protein in the blood platelets (platelet factor 4). As a result, the immune system begins to produce antibodies against its own protein.
In order to produce efficient antibodies, another feature is necessary, which the vaccine itself carries. In addition to the information on the spike protein of the coronavirus  , the vaccine contains other components that come from the production of the cell cultures.
These additional substances can cause inflammatory reactions and stimulate the innate immune system. This reaction also shows up as feeling unwell after the COVID-19 vaccination.
Immune response can last up to two weeks
After the first vaccination, it can take up to two weeks for the body to produce enough defense cells against platelet factor 4 (PF4). However, they not only recognize the PF4 bound to the vaccine, but also react to the body’s own PF4 on blood platelets.
The antibodies activate the body’s own blood platelets and stimulate the formation of thrombosis  . They also bind granulocytes, which cause further mechanisms and activate blood vessel cells. This is how dangerous sinus vein thrombosis develops.
Since the sinus vein thrombosis occurred after vaccination with vector vaccines from AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, experts hold the vector of the vaccine responsible for the side effect. AstraZeneca is adenovirus Azd1222 and Johnson & Johnson is adenovirus (Ad26).
The adenoviruses were analyzed using a special microscopy (cryoelectron microscopy). The images show that the platelet factor can adhere to the viruses. Scientists therefore assume that PF4 also persists during vaccination and that the immune system reacts to it, which in turn can lead to the formation of thrombi.
