COVID Vaccines and RAS Pathway Activation

This research examines the potential activation of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) pathway via ACE2 receptors following administration of COVID-19 vaccines, specifically focusing on AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Moderna vaccines. The investigation centers on understanding the biochemical interactions between the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, encoded by these vaccines, and ACE2 receptors, which could hypothetically lead to RAS pathway activation. Key areas of interest include the molecular mechanisms of spike protein interaction with ACE2, subsequent signal transduction events, and potential downstream effects such as alterations in blood pressure regulation, inflammation, and cardiovascular responses. This study seeks to elucidate any differential effects between mRNA-based vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) and adenovirus-vectored vaccines (AstraZeneca) concerning RAS pathway modulation. Understanding these interactions is crucial for assessing the broader implications of vaccine-induced RAS activation in diverse populations, without specific constraints on demographic or geographic factors.