The Relationship among SARS-CoV-2, Vaccine Spike Protein, Renin- Angiotensin System, and Epilepsy.

Abstract

Several comorbidities and illnesses have emerged after the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of vaccination based on a slightly modified SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. One of these diseases is epilepsy, where the dysfunctional RAS plays a crucial role in the propagation of the disorder. SARS-CoV-2 infects host cells by utilizing the angiotensin-converting enzyme Type 2 (ACE2) receptor, which allows the virus to infect various cell types, including those in the lungs, nasopharynx, kidneys, lymph nodes, small intestine, stomach, spleen, and brain, leading to widespread organ damage. Once SARS-CoV-2 binds to the ACE2 receptor, it can lead to the overactivation of the ACE/Ang II/AT1R axis. Consequently, higher levels of Ang II activate several deleterious pathways that promote inflammation, contributing to inflammatory responses in the body and exacerbating conditions such as seizures. Additionally, the excitatory effect of AT1R by Ang II excess due to ACE2 inhibition by SARS-CoV-2 or by the vaccine Spike protein may play a further role in the mechanism contributing to epilepsy.