Immunosenescence and inflamm-ageing in COVID-19

The destructive effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the elderly and people with cardiovascular disease have been proven. New findings shed light on the role of aging pathways on life span and health age. New therapies that focus on aging-related pathways may positively impact the treatment of this acute respiratory infection. Using new therapies that boost the level of the immune system can support the elderly with co-morbidities against the acute form of COVID-19. This article discusses the effect of the aging immune system against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the pathways affecting this severity of infection. •Immunosenescence and inflamm-ageing are critical characteristics of the aging immune system.•COVID-19 mortality is higher in the elderly with one or more co-morbidities.•In the elderly, the function of innate immune cells and the inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 are unregulated.