Special features of antiviral immunity in elderly patients

Background. The last century is characterized by an increase in the number of elderly population worldwide, and according to the World Health Organization, the number of elderly population has increased dramatically over the last century, and by 2030 people aged 60 years and older will account for one sixth of the world's inhabitants. Aging as a biological process leads to a gradual decline in the physical capabilities of the human body and an increased likelihood of developing various diseases. Older people are characterized by the appearance of a number of complex clinical conditions called geriatric complexes. Along with the development of chronic diseases, these include immune aging, due to which elderly people are at high risk of developing infectious diseases, often with an aggravated course and unfavorable prognosis. The process of immunosenescence causes a high risk of infectious diseases in the elderly, often with an aggravated course and unfavorable prognosis. Chronic stimulation of the immune system associated with persistence of some viruses (herpesviruses) in the body, age-related changes in the gut microbiota, cellular aging as a response to damage and stress, as well as the accumulation of "aging" cells in many tissues, especially in adipose tissue cells, lead to the formation of immunosenescence characterized by an unbalanced increase in the blood concentration of proinflammatory cytokines and a decrease in the level of anti-inflammatory mediators. Immunosenescence entails age-related changes in immunity: a decrease in the number of T-lymphocytes, changes in the functional activity of B-lymphocytes, impaired production of specific protective antibodies, slower synthesis of complement proteins and decreased macrophage activity. Aging of the immune system causes high susceptibility and severe course of acute respiratory infections in older people.

Conclusion. The peculiarities of the immune system of elderly patients dictate therapeutic strategies based on modulation of the immune response of the organism. Taking into account the deficiency of the interferon system in people over 60 years of age, the administration of interferon α-2b preparations, including high doses, is justified in the complex therapy of acute respiratory viral infections.

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