Home / Health / Researchers Propose 'Zombie Cells' as Cause of Long-COVID and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Researchers Propose 'Zombie Cells' as Cause of Long-COVID and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
27 Jul
Summary
- Millions affected by long-lasting symptoms after viral infections like COVID-19
- Proposed mechanism: Viruses drive blood vessel cells into a "zombie-like" senescent state
- Senescent cells release molecules that disrupt immune system and blood clotting
Millions of people worldwide are experiencing long-lasting symptoms after recovering from viral infections like COVID-19, influenza, and glandular fever. These include chronic fatigue, brain fog, exercise intolerance, and gut problems. Researchers have now proposed a new hypothesis that may explain the underlying mechanisms behind these debilitating post-viral conditions.
The researchers suggest that certain viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, can drive the cells lining blood vessels (endothelial cells) into a "zombie-like" state called cellular senescence. In this state, the cells stop dividing but continue to release molecules that disrupt the immune system and blood clotting. This leads to the formation of microclots, reduced blood flow, and a range of symptoms seen in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long-COVID.
The researchers believe that the impaired immune response in these conditions allows the "zombie cells" to persist, creating a self-sustaining cycle of vascular and immune dysfunction. By pinpointing this underlying mechanism, the researchers hope to pave the way for better diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for those suffering from these debilitating post-viral syndromes.
