Antigenic sin. Why does immunity weaken with age?

Scientists are trying to answer the question: what happens to the immune system as it is aging and how to help it

Photo: pixabay.com

Against the background of an increase in the number of infected and mortality from the new coronavirus, one trend remains unchanged: the virus is most dangerous for people over 65 years old. Eight out of ten deaths in the United States falls on this age group, according to a report of centers for the control and prevention of diseases (CDC), published in mid -March.

Of course, older people more often come with chronic diseases and have a weakened respiratory system, and these are significant risk factors in the case of SARS-COV-2, a virus causing covid-19. But scientists believe that there is another reason for increased risk - a general decrease in the activity of the immune system as it is aging. Scientists are trying to find a way to improve the protection of the older generation against influenza, new coronavirus and other pathogens, and there are certain successes, writes scientific journalist Jonathan at Knowable Magazine.

Doctors have long known that it is more difficult to fight infections with age with age. To make sure of this, it is enough to look at the studies of the effectiveness of vaccines. For example, in the 2018–2019 season, the flu vaccine showed the effectiveness for 60% of children and adolescents under 17 years of age - and only for 25% of adults aged 50 years and older.

Now researchers in different countries are in a hurry to start the tests of the vaccine against SARS-COV-2. But even if they manage to create an effective drug, it can be less effective for older people - just like existing vaccines from other diseases. “I doubt it will be worse, but I don’t think it will be better,” says Michael Cankro Pennsylvania University, the author of a recent article on the immune response in Annual Review of Immunology.

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