Are Covid vaccines a white blood cell away from pregnancy loss?

Disclaimer: increased, reduced, or paused menstrual cycle is cause-dependent and does not necessarily increase the risk for birth defects or affect fertility.

Clinical trials for the Covid-19 vaccine began in children 5 to 11 years old. (1) Pregnant women became eligible for the jab on May 4, 2021, without the full clinical trials due to ethics. Yet, we detailed possible links between the Covid vaccine and menstruation. Adding to our previous review, are the Covid vaccines one white blood (T) cell away from causing pregnancy deficits, and is that by design? 

Causative links exist in the immune function of the vaccine tied to birth defects and menstrual irregularities.

Does Covid affect the reproductive system?

We previously discussed the role that Covid-19 induced enzymatic deficiencies might play on the uterine cycle. Adding to this, Sars-Cov2 also binds to a linoleic acid pocket in the ACE2 receptor which plays a major role in menstruation. (2-4) Gamma-linolenic acid supplements are known to relieve painful menstrual cycles. (5) Additionally, fatty acids can be regulated by special messengers known as PPARs, which can be activated by different cannabinoids (THCa > CBGa > CBG > CBD.)

But, enzymes and fatty acids are directly affected by the spike protein, which is either contained within the virus or produced by cells within a vaccinated body. (3) Although, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts did detect evidence of spike proteins circulating in the blood of vaccinated women for twenty-nine days post-injection. (4) Reports suggest that the vaccine can affect at least menstruation to a far greater degree than the virus, according to unofficial empiriological data. (6, 7) This suggests that a novel function might exist within the vaccine that directly intertwines immunity with menstruation, cancelling out enzymes and fatty acids as the only root causes.

What is the Covid vaccine’s secret weapon?

Diving deeper, one will find the vaccine does, indeed, depend on a novel immunity mechanism that blends directly into female reproductive health. Dr. Victoria Male told BBC that certain immune cells triggered by the vaccine are involved in the decidua, but did not identify any cell. (7) Despite her assurances, specific types of white blood cells carrying an unusual link to notable birth defects do exist. (8)

The Covid vaccine is unique in that it is the second T cell, or Cell-Mediated Immune (CMI), vaccine released in human populations beyond clinical trials. The first was the BCG vaccine for Tuberculosis, which is still restricted from use during pregnancy in the UK twenty years of research later.

A study by Pfizer noted that the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine boosted T helper (TH1) cells alongside crucial antibodies. (9) Those TH1 cells also metabolize into or are accompanied by other types of proinflammatory T cells. Pfizer’s study announced that their vaccine boosts two different effector T cells: CD4+ and CD8+ cells.

Can the vaccine affect menstruation?

Both types of white blood (T) cells, CD4+ and CD8+, are critical in the maternal-fetal interface. (8, 10) It turns out that these cells poorly accumulate in the uterus which creates a marketable defence system for the female reproductive system. (11) Yet, CD4+ and CD8+ cells do migrate to the uterus and surrounding tissues. This likely means that compared to men the stimulated T cell response from the vaccine can still affect women more significantly.

The uterus is less populated with CD4+ regulator cells when the menstrual cycle stops without pregnancy (Amenorrhea). But, it remains unknown if an increase in these cells, induced by the vaccine, will cause an increase in the menstrual cycle.

The Covid vaccine is known to increase but also relies on this type of T cell. (9, 12) Simply put, an abundance of these immune cells (CD4+ effectors) could very well be why women are dealing with heavy menstrual cycles. Interestingly, boosted CD4+ cells should reduce the risk for birth defects. Due to unique signatures in each cell, however, their role in cancer and even severe Covid-19 cases is still ambiguous in current scientific literature. (10, 13)

Essentially, the vaccine might have a potentially negative effect on cancer environments in the long term if they do not cause pregnancy loss. So, does the Covid vaccine then increase or decrease the risk for pregnancy loss —or are we balancing perfectly on the edge?

What about Covid vaccines, CD8+ cells, and pregnancy?

The study by Pfizer also noted the vaccine did bolster CD8+ cells. (9) These white blood cells are involved with birth defects such as placenta lesions. (8) This would suggest the vaccine does increase the risk for pregnancy loss and other birth defects, according to a single effect of mRNA Covid vaccines. Yet, that effect might be cancelled out given a healthy ratio of CD4+ cells. A neutral outcome can be born.

Contrary to the data released by Pfizer, a study published on May 17, 2021, determined CD8+ T cells are not boosted by the vaccine. (14) It appears that we have contradictory data on hand, which doesn’t fair well for a conclusive answer at this time.

Essentially, good T cell immunity is vital during the development of human life. While there is a risk for pregnancy loss from Covid vaccines when looking solely at CD8+ cells, we find a balance is created by boosting the suppressive type of white blood cell, CD4+.

Are the effects temporary or will they change?

There are other complications to this immune function, including the different effects these T cells have on each other when any infection is or is not present. Also, moving past the fact that elevated CD4+ cells possess an overall undetermined effect on preexisting cancer, different T cells have different lifespans. (10, 15)

Regulator CD4+ cells live for two to six months depending on a few factors. This lifespan aligns with Dr. Male’s conjecture that heavy menstruation is a temporary side effect. However, there are more alarming questions. What happens once those CD4+ cells start to die considering CD8+ cells appear to live a little longer? Is it possible that CD4+ cells are only temporarily preventing a wealth of adverse reactions, especially in pregnancies? 

Contrary to Dr. Male’s statement, however, we are not sure how long the T cell response will last after injection. Beyond this, some adverse reactions could last for up to nine years if naive T cells are bolstered by any Covid vaccine. (16) A further problem also occurs in that CD8+ effector cells are great Covid virus killers, beyond their risk for birth defects.

Should we redesign the vaccine?

CD8+ T cells are highly efficient killers, and there is some discussion in the scientific literature that professes the importance of these killer cells for the treatment of Covid-19. Discussion of designing a Covid vaccine that better targets different T cells is ongoing, (17) with similar drugs undergoing Phase II clinical trials for Covid-19. (18)

Recent evidence suggests that variants of Sars-Cov2 partially surpass the jab’s antibody response. (12) At this point in Sars-Cov2’s evolution, certain variants appear to be only thwarted by the vaccine’s T cell response. This appears to add viability to those discussions and even experimental T cell drugs.

This information is not to deter people from making their own informed medical decisions. After all, the majority of vaccine recipients do not encounter serious adverse reactions. This is to allow people to have accurate knowledge while making those decisions. I reached out to numerous professors and doctors in the field internationally for comment, including Dr. Jeniffer Blake, CEO Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. I have received one response so far regarding the toxicity of the spike protein, which we will discuss in a subsequent installment.

Are there any preventions and remedies from cannabis?

Our endocannabinoid systems consist of a receptor that can help regulate the metabolism of T cells, which we discussed previously. Dr. Ming Li’s team at Sloan Kettering Institute only recently discovered this mechanism of the immune system. So, we cannot yet say if regulating T cell metabolism through cannabinoid receptors, such as the CB1 receptor, is a means of inhibiting menstrual irregularities caused by the Covid vaccine.

Although, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin E are known to play opposing roles on the Covid vaccine’s immune response based on Sloan Kettering’s study. (19, 20) Conclusively, this mechanism urgently requires more research for the better development of Covid and cancer vaccines.

Conclusively, a simple design change in a single brand of Covid vaccine could hypothetically catalyst a wealth of birth defects and pregnancy losses. It has been established in serological studies that Covid-19 induces a varied T cell response on its own, including higher levels of CD8+ cells during late recovery. (13, 21, 22) Regardless, should the effect of Covid vaccines and the white blood (T) cells they target be stringently studied in a preclinical setting to ensure we are not on the edge of pregnancy loss or proliferating cancer?

Let us know your thoughts on the Covid vaccine being given to young children and during pregnancy without proper knowledge in the scientific community in the comments. Check out this story to learn more about the vaccine and T cells.

Show your work

• The Covid vaccine increases CD4+ T cells but there are mixed reports regarding CD8+ cells.
• T Cells do not accumulate in the decidua due to a maternal tolerance but the vaccine will cause a continuous spike of T cells.
• The number of pregnancy losses caused by the Covid vaccine jab is equal to the number of natural pregnancy losses. Yet, this data is exclusively from women vaccinated after their fourth month of pregnancy despite the mixed lifespans of different T cells.

Photo courtesy of Tumisu.Pixabay.

Sources

1. Pfizer. (March. 2021). Pfizer-biontech Announce Positive Topline Results Of Pivotal Covid-19 Vaccine Study In Adolescents.
2. Toelzer, C., Gupta, K., Yadav, S., Borucu, U., Davidson, A. D., Kavanagh Williamson, M., Shoemark, D. K., Garzoni, F., Staufer, O., Milligan, R., Capin, J., Mulholland, A. J., Spatz, J., Fitzgerald, D., Berger, I., & Schaffitzel, C. (2020). Free fatty acid binding pocket in the locked structure of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Science (New York, N.Y.), 370(6517), 725–730. Doi/10.1126/science.abd3255
3. Lei, Y., Zhang, J., Schiavon, C. R., He, M., Chen, L., Shen, H., Zhang, Y., Yin, Q., Cho, Y., Andrade, L., Shadel, G. S., Hepokoski, M., Lei, T., Wang, H., Zhang, J., Yuan, J. X., Malhotra, A., Manor, U., Wang, S., Yuan, Z. Y., … Shyy, J. Y. (2020). SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Impairs Endothelial Function via Downregulation of ACE2. bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology, 2020.12.04.409144. doi/10.1101/2020.12.04.409144
4. Wu, C. C., Huang, M. Y., Kapoor, R., Chen, C. H., & Huang, Y. S. (2008). Metabolism of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in women with dysmenorrhea. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 17 Suppl 1, 216–219.
5. Rocha Filho, E. A., Lima, J. C., Pinho Neto, J. S., & Montarroyos, U. (2011). Essential fatty acids for premenstrual syndrome and their effect on prolactin and total cholesterol levels: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Reproductive health, 8, 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4755-8-2
6. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). CDC.
7. Olga Robinson and Rachel Schrae. May 2021. Covid vaccine: Period changes could be a short-term side effect. BBC.
8. Nancy, P., & Erlebacher, A. (2014). T cell behavior at the maternal-fetal interface. The International journal of developmental biology, 58(2-4), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.140054ae
9. Sahin, U., Muik, A., Derhovanessian, E. et al. COVID-19 vaccine BNT162b1 elicits human antibody and TH1 T cell responses. Nature586, 594–599 (2020). doi/10.1038/s41586-020-2814-7
10. Jørgensen, N., Persson, G., & Hviid, T. (2019). The Tolerogenic Function of Regulatory T Cells in Pregnancy and Cancer. Frontiers in immunology, 10, 911. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.00911 
11. Erlebacher A. (2013). Mechanisms of T cell tolerance towards the allogeneic fetus. Nature reviews. Immunology, 13(1), 23–33. https://doi.org/10.1038/nri336
12. Geers, D., Shamier, M. C., Bogers, S., den Hartog, G., Gommers, L., Nieuwkoop, N. N., Schmitz, K. S., Rijsbergen, L. C., van Osch, J., Dijkhuizen, E., Smits, G., Comvalius, A., van Mourik, D., Caniels, T. G., van Gils, M. J., Sanders, R. W., Oude Munnink, B. B., Molenkamp, R., de Jager, H. J., Haagmans, B. L., … GeurtsvanKessel, C. H. (2021). SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern partially escape humoral but not T-cell responses in COVID-19 convalescent donors and vaccinees. Science immunology, 6(59), eabj1750. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciimmunol.abj1750
13. Kalfaoglu, B., Almeida-Santos, J., Tye, C. A., Satou, Y., & Ono, M. (2020). T-Cell Hyperactivation and Paralysis in Severe COVID-19 Infection Revealed by Single-Cell Analysis. Frontiers in immunology, 11, 589380. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.589380
14. Woldemeskel, B. A., Garliss, C. C. & Blankson, J. N. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines induce broad CD4+ T cell responses that recognize SARS-CoV-2 variants and HCoV-NL63. J Clin Invest, doi:10.1172/JCI149335 (2021).
15. Westera, L., Drylewicz, J., den Braber, I., Mugwagwa, T., van der Maas, I., Kwast, L., Volman, T., van de Weg-Schrijver, E. H., Bartha, I., Spierenburg, G., Gaiser, K., Ackermans, M. T., Asquith, B., de Boer, R. J., Tesselaar, K., & Borghans, J. A. (2013). Closing the gap between T-cell life span estimates from stable isotope-labeling studies in mice and humans. Blood, 122(13), 2205–2212. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2013-03-488411
16. Vrisekoop, N., den Braber, I., de Boer, A. B., Ruiter, A. F., Ackermans, M. T., van der Crabben, S. N., Schrijver, E. H., Spierenburg, G., Sauerwein, H. P., Hazenberg, M. D., de Boer, R. J., Miedema, F., Borghans, J. A., & Tesselaar, K. (2008). Sparse production but preferential incorporation of recently produced naive T cells in the human peripheral pool. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 105(16), 6115–6120. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0709713105
17. Sauer, K., & Harris, T. (2020). An Effective COVID-19 Vaccine Needs to Engage T Cells. Frontiers in immunology, 11, 581807. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.581807
18. ImmunityBio Announces Single Prime hAd5 COVID-19 Vaccination Induces a 10-Fold Increase in T Cell Response Equivalent to T Cell Responses from Patients Previously Infected with SARS-CoV-2. April, 2021. ImmunityBio.
19. He, Y., Liu, Y., Wang, Q. Z., Guo, F., Huang, F., Ji, L., An, T., & Qin, G. (2019). Vitamin D3 Activates Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B via Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 to Improve Testicular Function in Diabetic Rats. Journal of diabetes research, 2019, 7894950. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7894950
20. Xu, K., Yin, N., Peng, M., Stamatiades, E. G., Shyu, A., Li, P., Zhang, X., Do, M. H., Wang, Z., Capistrano, K. J., Chou, C., Levine, A. G., Rudensky, A. Y., & Li, M. O. (2021). Glycolysis fuels phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling to bolster T cell immunity. Science (New York, N.Y.), 371(6527), 405–410. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abb2683
21. Dan, J. M., Mateus, J., Kato, Y., Hastie, K. M., Yu, E. D., Faliti, C. E., Grifoni, A., Ramirez, S. I., Haupt, S., Frazier, A., Nakao, C., Rayaprolu, V., Rawlings, S. A., Peters, B., Krammer, F., Simon, V., Saphire, E. O., Smith, D. M., Weiskopf, D., Sette, A., … Crotty, S. (2021). Immunological memory to SARS-CoV-2 assessed for up to 8 months after infection. Science (New York, N.Y.), 371(6529), eabf4063. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abf4063
22. Bange, E.M., Han, N.A., Wileyto, P. et al. CD8+ T cells contribute to survival in patients with COVID-19 and hematologic cancer. Nat Med (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-021-01386-7