![Published August 5, 2024 in PLOS Pathogens: "SARS-CoV-2 spike-induced syncytia are senescent and contribute to exacerbated heart failure" "Author Summary In this paper, we directly linked SARS-2-S-triggered syncytium [fused cells] formation in the absence of infection with the ensuing induction of cellular senescence and its pathophysiological contribution to heart failure. We propose that both SARS-2-S expression and SARS-2-S protein internalization were sufficient to induce senescence in nonsenescent ACE2expressing cells. This is important because of the persistent existence of SARS-2-S or extracellular vesicles containing SARS-2-S during the post-acute stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection in human subjects. ... However, syncytium formation or cellular senescence observed with the wild-type fusogenic S protein does not occur with the spike proteins produced by currently approved COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. ..."](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GURP49TW0AAb71d.jpg?name=small&format=webp)
ALT Published August 5, 2024 in PLOS Pathogens: "SARS-CoV-2 spike-induced syncytia are senescent and contribute to exacerbated heart failure" "Author Summary In this paper, we directly linked SARS-2-S-triggered syncytium [fused cells] formation in the absence of infection with the ensuing induction of cellular senescence and its pathophysiological contribution to heart failure. We propose that both SARS-2-S expression and SARS-2-S protein internalization were sufficient to induce senescence in nonsenescent ACE2expressing cells. This is important because of the persistent existence of SARS-2-S or extracellular vesicles containing SARS-2-S during the post-acute stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection in human subjects. ... However, syncytium formation or cellular senescence observed with the wild-type fusogenic S protein does not occur with the spike proteins produced by currently approved COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. ..."




































