There is a serine protease that is actively secreted by cytotoxic immune cells like Natural Killer (NK) cells and T cells called GzmA. Levels of this protein are implicated in the development of cancer.
If we look at SARS-CoV-2 infection, we discover that this protease is markedly elevated compared to healthy controls.
What I find intriguing and important is that GzmA is also found to be expressed significantly in those experiencing Long COVID. This was discovered in a just published study.
So, what we have seen is yet another mechanism which shows that SARS-CoV-2 is almost certainly an oncogenic virus. One observation I have made over the years is how the virus and its Spike Protein can tip the balance of so many different biological processes. It seems to always find a way to push the “bad” lever when it affects a process that can be either beneficial or pathological in the body.
https://wmcresearch.substack.com/p/sars-cov-2-infection-the-spike-protein