Wireless communications systems and methods related to dynamic time-division duplexing (TDD) and self-contained subframe-based communications in a shared spectrum are provided. A first wireless communication device communicates a control information communication protection request over a shared spectrum. The shared spectrum is shared by a plurality of network operating entities based on priorities. The first wireless communication device is associated with a first network operating entity of the plurality of network operating entities. The first wireless communication device communicates, with a second wireless communication device associated with the first network operating entity, control information in a first link direction during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) in the shared spectrum. The first wireless communication device communicates, with the second wireless communication device, data in a second link direction during the TXOP.