Impact of aging on viral infections

Microbes Infect. 2010 Dec;12(14-15):1120-4. doi: 10.1016/j.micinf.2010.08.009. Epub 2010 Sep 16.

Abstract

Older people are more susceptible to a variety of viral infections, including those that induce respiratory disease, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality than younger people. Aging impacts both innate and adaptive arms of the immune system to impair control of viral infections. This review will summarize key findings on how aging impacts immunity to viral infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity / physiology
  • Aging*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate / physiology
  • Virus Diseases / immunology*
  • Virus Diseases / mortality
  • Virus Diseases / pathology*