Aging, Immunity, and COVID-19: How Age Influences the Host Immune Response to Coronavirus Infections?

ABSTRACT: The novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causing the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has ravaged the world with over 72 million total cases and over 1.6 million deaths worldwide as of early December 2020. An overwhelming preponderance of cases and deaths is observed within the elderly population, and especially in those with pre-existing conditions and comorbidities. Aging causes numerous biological changes in the immune system, which are linked to age-related illnesses and susceptibility to infectious diseases. Age-related changes influence the host immune response and therefore not only weaken the ability to fight respiratory infections but also to mount effective responses to vaccines. Immunosenescence and inflamm-aging are considered key features of

SUBMITTER: Bajaj V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7835928 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature