JOURNAL ARTICLE

Rare, dangerous side effects of some COVID-19 vaccines explained: "Groundbreaking" study uncovers why adenovirus-based shots caused life-threatening blood clots and bleeding in some people.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2026. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Vogel, Gretchen; Kupferschmidt, Kai 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on a groundbreaking study that identifies the cause of vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) associated with adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccines, specifically AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. Researchers discovered that certain genetic factors and mutations in antibody-producing B cells lead to the production of rogue antibodies that bind to PF4, a protein involved in blood clotting, triggering dangerous blood clots and bleeding. Although VITT is rare, occurring in approximately one in 200,000 vaccine recipients, the findings may inform the safety of future adenovirus-based vaccines for other diseases. The study suggests potential modifications to reduce the risk of VITT in these vaccines. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2026/02, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2026
  • Accession Number:191520748
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Sciencemag.org is the property of American Association for the Advancement of Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Looking to go deeper into this topic? Look for more articles on EBSCOhost.