mRNA Vaccine Shedding: Internal Transcriptional Dissemination and Potential Human-to-Human Transfer

October 28, 2026

https://zenodo.org/records/23666330

Published October 26, 2026 | Version v1

Preprint Open

mRNA Vaccine Shedding: Internal Transcriptional Dissemination and Potential Human-to-Human Transfer

Authors/Creators

Description
Abstract

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines direct host cells to manufacture prefusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that retains its furin cleavage site and carries two proline substitutions (K986P/V987P) in S2 that are not present in wild-type SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This review examines two distinct forms of mRNA vaccine shedding: (i) molecular transcriptional shedding, involving the production, proteolytic fragmentation, persistence, and dissemination of vaccine-derived molecular products within vaccinated individuals through cellular division, extracellular release, and vesicular transport; and (ii) human-to-human shedding, involving the potential transfer of these products from vaccinated individuals to other individuals through biological secretions. Evidence supporting internal molecular dissemination includes circulating spike protein, proteolytically released fragments, vaccine-derived mRNA, and spike-bearing extracellular vesicles capable of transporting molecular cargo beyond its original cellular source. Human studies document circulating S1 within 24 hours, spike-bearing exosomes by day 14, vaccine mRNA in plasma for up to 28 days, vaccine-derived spike peptides at 69–187 days, spike protein in monocytes at 852 days, circulating spike at 1,173 days, exosomal vaccine mRNA at 1,284 days, and spike protein alongside plasmid-associated DNA sequences in skin at 1,364 days. N1-methylpseudouridine-associated +1 ribosomal frameshifting generates unintended translation products, expanding the repertoire of molecules potentially available for extracellular release. The proposed internal dissemination model incorporates two additional pathways: mitotic inheritance, whereby daughter cells may inherit an altered proteome following cellular division, and exosome-mediated communication, whereby molecular cargo may affect cells that never directly received vaccine mRNA. Experimental studies demonstrate spike-mediated interference with five interconnected molecular systems—coagulation, receptor–renin–angiotensin signaling, innate immune sensing, tumor-suppressor transcription, and vesicular interferon signaling. Together, these findings identify multiple pathways through which persistent vaccine-derived molecular products could disrupt cellular regulation, propagate abnormal signaling between cells, and potentially sustain downstream biological disturbances. Regarding human-to-human shedding, vaccine-derived mRNA has been detected in trace, fragmented form within breast-milk extracellular vesicles, establishing its presence in a biological secretion transferred between individuals. Extracellular vesicles are also present in saliva, exhaled breath, sweat, semen, and other bodily secretions. Their capacity to protect molecular cargo, survive biological barriers, enter recipient cells, and deliver functional mRNA provides a biologically plausible pathway for wider interpersonal transfer. An observational study further reported associations between proximity to vaccinated individuals and menstrual irregularities among unvaccinated women. However, no published study has directly demonstrated transfer of vaccine-derived spike protein, mRNA, or plasmid-associated DNA between individuals through respiratory emissions, saliva, sweat, or other non-milk secretions, leaving a critical evidence gap concerning the extent and biological consequences of human-to-human shedding. Collectively, these findings support intracellular and intercellular dissemination of vaccine-derived molecular products, with evidence of persistence extending over multiple years. The convergence of proteolytic fragmentation, vesicular transport, and potential mitotic inheritance suggests mechanisms through which molecular products and their downstream signaling effects could extend beyond the original cells of production. Direct experimental studies are needed to establish the functional consequences of long-term persistence, determine whether these pathways sustain molecular disturbances across cellular generations, and establish whether biologically significant human-to-human transfer occurs through additional bodily secretions and, if so, its extent.

For more:

Go here to listen to Nicolas Hulscher, MPH, explain the study.

Category:

Activism, research, vaccines, Viruses

Comments Off on mRNA Vaccine Shedding: Internal Transcriptional Dissemination and Potential Human-to-Human Transfer