AUDIO: “No Woman, No Cry. No Expert, No Die!” by Dr Geert Vanden Bossche

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“No Woman, No Cry” — This is the famous line from the song by Bob Marley.

It can be loosely interpreted as: “If the thing that causes the pain isn’t there, the pain doesn’t happen.”

“No Expert, No Die” — This is a play on that phrase.

It implies: “If we didn’t have these so-called ‘experts’ driving the narrative uncritically, the harmful consequences of their recommendations might not occur.”

In the global discussion surrounding COVID-19 booster vaccines, much of the public debate has focused on whether updated shots can still provide meaningful protection against severe disease. However, some immunologists argue that this discussion often overlooks key principles of how the immune system actually works in populations with very high vaccination rates.

Traditionally, vaccine effectiveness has been evaluated by the presence of neutralizing antibodies—proteins produced by the immune system that bind to the virus and block infection. But experts warn that in highly vaccinated populations, this metric may no longer be the best indicator of protection. This is because, over time, the virus evolves, and antibody responses are often shaped by earlier exposures, a phenomenon known as original antigenic sin (or immune imprinting).

Why antibodies may no longer tell the full story

When booster shots are administered, they don’t just stimulate the production of new antibodies; they also recall older, vaccine-induced antibodies. These antibodies may not match well with newer circulating variants of COVID-19, resulting in lower binding strength (low affinity). In practical terms, this means the antibodies only have an effect at very high concentrations, and even then, they often do not fully neutralize the virus.

This partial or “pseudo-neutralization” effect helps explain why booster-induced antibody levels are short-lived and why their protective impact may diminish quickly.

The shifting role of T cells

As the virus continues to circulate, protection in many individuals increasingly relies on T cells—immune cells that help control infection once it has already started. T cells can recognize and destroy infected cells, limiting disease severity.

However, repeated exposure to the virus and repeated immune stimulation can also chronically activate T cells. This persistent activation can have unintended consequences, including inflammation and, in some cases, dysregulation of the immune system. Some researchers suggest this chronic stimulation could contribute to longer-term health issues, such as persistent symptoms sometimes described as long COVID, and potentially other complications that are still under study.

Why measuring antibodies alone can be misleading

Many public health discussions still rely on neutralizing antibody levels as a proxy for protection. But if these antibodies are no longer a reliable indicator of meaningful immunity against evolving variants, then this approach may give a false sense of security.

In such scenarios, the real mechanism limiting disease may be chronically activated T cells, not neutralizing antibodies. While this activation can offer some protection, it may also increase immune pressure on the virus, encouraging further evolution.

A complex immune landscape

This debate highlights the growing complexity of immune responses in highly vaccinated populations. It also raises important scientific questions about how best to measure protection, how to adapt vaccines to new variants, and how to monitor the long-term effects of repeated immune stimulation.

As with any evolving scientific issue, clear communication and critical analysis are crucial. A more nuanced understanding of the difference between antibody-based and T cell–based immunity can help ensure that public health strategies are based on the most accurate picture of immune protection available.

As debate over the effectiveness of COVID-19 booster shots continues, some immunologists argue that the focus on neutralizing antibodies may be outdated in highly vaccinated populations. While boosters can temporarily increase antibody levels, these antibodies often have low affinity for newer variants and provide only short-lived protection. Instead, much of the body’s defense now relies on chronically activated T cells, which can limit symptoms but may also contribute to immune strain and long-term health risks. Experts say this shift underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of immunity beyond simple antibody measurements.

“Chronically activated T cells” are a health risk because they indicate the immune system is stuck in fight mode. Over time, this can lead to immune exhaustion, inflammation, and increased vulnerability to other diseases — rather than stable, balanced protection.

Source:

https://voiceforscienceandsolidarity.substack.com/p/no-woman-no-cry-no-expert-no-die