IgG4 after 5X shots (min 2X mRNA) - 1st direct evidence of immune refocusing - good or bad? (Ep#149)

Summary

In this update on IgG4 phenomena, Dr. Michael Rashik discusses a study on the effects of mRNA vaccines on IgG4 antibodies. The research indicates that updated vaccines targeting the XBB 1.5 variant lead to increased neutralization of various strains. However, it also suggests that these vaccines may cause antibodies to target different areas of the spike protein, potentially leading to immune refocusing and the risk of autoimmune conditions. The video provides a detailed analysis of the study's implications on public health.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Dr. Michael Rashik discusses a new paper on the impact of mRNA vaccines on IGG4 antibodies, particularly after additional vaccinations.
• 🔍 The study is the first to show that updated vaccines targeting the XBB 1.15 variant can lead to antibodies targeting different areas of the spike protein compared to the original vaccine.
• 📊 The paper reports an increase in neutralization of all variants post-immunization with the updated vaccine, which is marketed as a positive outcome.
• 🧬 The research indicates a phenomenon called 'immune steric refocusing', where the immune system starts targeting other areas of the spike protein besides the receptor binding domain with successive vaccinations.
• ⚠️ There are concerns that targeting more conserved areas of the spike protein could potentially lead to autoimmune conditions or other health issues.
• 📈 The study shows an increase in IGG4 antibodies post-vaccination, but these antibodies are not as effective against new variants as they are against the original Wuhan variant.
• 🤒 The protection from antibodies, particularly IGG4, seems to wane over time, which could be problematic for long-term immunity.
• 🧬💉 The study involved 24 individuals with varying vaccination histories, including some who had been infected with the virus between vaccine doses.
• 🔬 Memory B cells were analyzed to understand which variants they targeted before and after vaccination, revealing a shift in targeting post-vaccination.
• 🌐 The concept of 'cross-reactivity' is highlighted, where antibodies can target multiple variants, but this may not necessarily be beneficial.
• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Rashik emphasizes the need for caution in interpreting the results of increased neutralization, considering the potential risks of targeting conserved spike protein areas.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Dr. Michar Rashik's video?

The main topic of Dr. Michar Rashik's video is an update on the IgG4 phenomenon, specifically discussing a published paper on IgG4 post mRNA vaccinations.

What does IgG4 antibodies targeting specific spike protein suggest according to the video?

The video suggests that the increase in IgG4 antibodies targeting the specific spike protein might have implications for an individual's immune response, which could be good or bad depending on the context.

How many papers have discussed the connection between mRNA shots and IgG4 antibodies according to the video?

According to the video, this is the 15th paper discussing the observation that mRNA shots increase IgG4 antibodies targeting the spike protein.

What is the XBB 1.15 variant mentioned in the video, and why was the mRNA shot specifically made for it?

The XBB 1.15 variant is a strain of the virus that was prevalent before the vaccines were made available. The mRNA shot was specifically made for it due to waning immunity observed in mRNA vaccinated individuals against infections.

What does 'cross-reactivity' mean in the context of the video?

In the context of the video, 'cross-reactivity' refers to the ability of an antibody to target multiple variants of the virus, not just the one specifically that the individual has been immunized against.

What was the study's observation regarding the antibodies produced with the updated variant vaccines?

The study observed that the antibodies produced with the updated variant vaccines were causing the antibodies to target different areas of the spike protein than the original shot.

What is 'immune steric refocusing' as mentioned in the video?

In the video, 'immune steric refocusing' refers to the concept that the immune system is being forced to target different areas of the spike protein with each successive immunization, potentially leading to less effective neutralization and increased risk of autoimmune conditions.

How many individuals were involved in the study discussed in the video?

The study involved 24 individuals who were measured for their antibodies and the performance of those antibodies before and after immunization with the XBB 1.5 variant mRNA shot.

What was the study's finding regarding the memory B cells and their targeting of the spike protein after immunization with the updated vaccine?

The study found that after immunization with the updated vaccine, there was an increase in memory B cells targeting other areas of the spike protein besides the receptor binding domain, suggesting a shift in immune targeting.

What is the potential risk of targeting more conserved areas of the spike protein, as mentioned in the video?

The potential risk of targeting more conserved areas of the spike protein is that these areas might mimic something in our own bodies, which could lead to the development of autoimmune conditions or other health issues.

What is the video's conclusion about the updated vaccines and their effects on the immune system?

The video concludes that while the updated vaccines may show increased neutralization against all variants, they might also be inducing the immune system to target other areas of the spike protein, which could have unforeseen health consequences.