Stanford researchers have identified a possible immune pathway that may explain rare cases of myocarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The study points to heightened immune signals, including CXCL10 and interferon-gamma, which in rare instances may trigger inflammation in heart tissue.
Lab experiments showed this response could be linked to immune cell activity affecting cardiac function, while blocking these signals reduced inflammation.
The findings do not question vaccine safety overall but aim to better understand rare side effects and improve future mRNA vaccine design.
