Immunosenescence and the Susceptibility of the Elderly to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Abstract

A new disease caused by a newly-found coronavirus, known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been declared as a pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO). This new disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The outbreak started in late December of 2019 and it did not take a long time until it spread to more than 200 countries in the world with over 4 million confirmed cases to date. The number keeps skyrocketing as day passes, followed by the increasing number of fatalities. Among all of the infected patients, elderly is one of the vulnerable populations. Studies reported that the risk of infection is doubled in older people. This infection-susceptible characteristic may be due to the weak immune system, therefore they lack the capabilities to fight the infection. The deterioration of immune system in elderly is known as immunosenescence. The aim of this literature review is to understand the effect of immunosenescence in the immunopathogenesis and susceptibility of elderly who are exposed to COVID-19 infection. (J Respir Indo. 2020; 40(3): 182-91)

The predictive value of prognostic nutritional index in patients with COVID-19

“…Research studies worldwide have shown age to be a key demographic factor and a consistent reliable indicator of an individual's likelihood of passing away due to the disease. In a large cohort study involving 2226 Spanish patients, it was reported the death rate among patients under 40 years old, between 40-49 years and 50-59 years to be 0.5%, 1.5%, and 3.8% respectively (13). This probably is due to a weakened immune system in the elderly and aged people or more likely due to a cytokine storm on exposure to COVID-19 (14).…”

“…Immunosenescence is the process by which people's immune systems gradually weaken as they get older. Studies also show that immunosenescence in elderly people makes them more likely to be susceptible to infections of the respiratory tract as a consequence of compromised immune system leading to decreased mucociliary clearance, lowered mucosal barrier, or the presence of respiratory inflammation brought on by pathogenic microorganisms (13).…”

The Activities of Pegagan Embun (Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam.) on TNF-α, Macrophages and Leukocytes Male White Mice Exposed by H5N1 Virus Antigens

“…Immunosenescence and comorbidities in the elderly (hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, and cancer) also significantly increase mortality in this population. 2 The immune system plays a very important role in protecting the body from viral infections. The immune system is all the mechanisms used by the body to maintain the integrity of the body in order to protect the body from possible dangers posed by microorganisms in the environment.…”

“…Therefore, one of the therapeutic targets developed for cases of viral infection is immunomodulators. 2 Pegagan embun (Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam.) is known to contain flavonoid compounds which are thought to have immunomodulatory activity.…”

“…In addition, H5N1 influenza has clinical manifestations similar to SARS-CoV-2 infection, one of which is the occurrence of excessive cytokine production. 2,10…”