The ageing immune system and its battle with viruses

Abstract

The global increase in life expectancy has resulted in a growing proportion of older individuals at increased risk of severe disease outcomes following viral infections. CD8+ T cells play a vital role in controlling viral infections and provide protection against severe disease by eliminating virus-infected cells. Furthermore, CD8+ T cells recognize conserved internal viral proteins, enabling cross-reactivity and the formation of long-term immunological memory. However, a lifetime of exposures to acute and persistent latent viruses, vaccinations and the age-associated decline in immune functions (immunosenescence and inflammaging) have a profound impact on virus-specific CD8+ T cell populati..