Glossary
Plain-language definitions for 15 terms you'll meet across spike-protein research, immunology, and post-illness syndromes — sourced from NIH, PubMed, CDC, and WHO. Informational only.
This glossary covers the working vocabulary of spike-protein research. It's organized A–Z, but if you'd rather browse by topic, jump to Core biology, Inflammation pathways, Clinical symptoms, or Wellness-discourse terms.
Each entry is 350–600 words. Every claim links to a primary source — usually a PubMed paper, an NIH page, or a CDC/WHO statement. If we couldn't source it, we left it out.
Core biology
ACE2 receptor
The cell-surface enzyme that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binds to gain entry into human cells. Found in lung, gut, heart, and vascular tissue.
Antibody
Y-shaped protein produced by B-cells that recognizes a specific antigen. Two functional classes: binding antibodies (detect) and neutralizing antibodies (block).
mRNA platform
A vaccine-design approach that delivers messenger-RNA instructions for cells to temporarily produce a target protein, prompting an immune response.
Spike protein
The surface glycoprotein on SARS-CoV-2 that mediates host-cell entry. The "S" protein in the virus name. Target of most COVID-19 vaccines and a research focus for post-illness syndromes.
T-cell response
Cellular arm of adaptive immunity. CD8 "killer" T-cells eliminate infected cells; CD4 "helper" T-cells coordinate the broader immune response.
Inflammation & cellular pathways
Autophagy
The cellular self-eating process that recycles damaged proteins and organelles. Active research area in post-viral recovery and longevity.
Cytokine storm
An overwhelming, self-amplifying release of inflammatory signaling proteins. Implicated in severe COVID-19 and other hyperinflammatory syndromes.
Endothelial dysfunction
Impairment of the single-cell layer lining all blood vessels. A research focus in long COVID and cardiovascular consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Inflammation
The body's protective response to injury, infection, or irritants. Acute inflammation heals; chronic inflammation drives disease.
Oxidative stress
The imbalance between reactive oxygen species and the body's antioxidant defenses. Studied as a contributor to post-viral fatigue and chronic illness.
Clinical & symptom terms
Brain fog
A patient-reported syndrome of slowed thinking, memory lapses, and attention problems. The clinical term researchers use is "cognitive dysfunction."
Long COVID
The patient-coined term for symptoms persisting beyond 12 weeks post-infection. WHO and NIH use "post-COVID-19 condition" or "PASC."
Post-acute sequelae (PASC)
The clinical term for long-term health effects following SARS-CoV-2 infection. NIH RECOVER initiative's working definition.
Wellness-discourse terms
"Shedding"
A claim circulating in wellness communities that vaccinated people transmit vaccine material to others. The FDA, WHO, and peer-reviewed literature do not support this claim for mRNA or protein-subunit vaccines.
"Spike protein detox"
A wellness-community label for protocols intended to clear residual spike protein. Not a clinical or regulatory term. No peer-reviewed protocol exists. Track symptoms and consult your doctor.
Related reading
Long COVID: natural recovery research
What the published literature says about supplements studied for post-viral fatigue and inflammation.
Brain fog research review
The published mechanisms researchers are studying — vascular, neuroinflammatory, mitochondrial.
Editorial standards
How we read papers, how we handle corrections, and what we will and will not claim.