New Insights into Why Influenza Poses Greater Risks for the Elderly

Recent scientific research has shed light on the reasons behind the increased severity and mortality of influenza in older populations. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study reveals that aging individuals produce higher levels of a glycosylated protein known as apolipoprotein D (ApoD). This protein plays a role in lipid metabolism and inflammation, but its elevated production in the lungs of older adults impairs the immune response to influenza infection. Specifically, high ApoD levels hinder mitochondrial integrity through the process of mitophagy, leading to reduced energy production and a weakened antiviral response. Consequently, this results in extensive lung tissue damage and a higher likelihood of severe disease outcomes.

The research employed aging mouse models and human tissue samples to identify ApoD as an age-related factor that compromises the body's ability to fight the flu. By disrupting mitochondrial function, ApoD diminishes the effectiveness of interferon-based antiviral responses, which are crucial for controlling flu infections.

This international collaboration involved teams from the University of Nottingham, China Agricultural University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese CDC, and the University of Edinburgh. According to Professor Kin-Chow Chang of the University of Nottingham, understanding these mechanisms opens up new possibilities for targeted therapies. In particular, ApoD presents a promising therapeutic target to mitigate influenza severity among the elderly.

The findings suggest that developing drugs to inhibit ApoD could significantly reduce flu-related complications and deaths in aging populations. As the global demographic shifts towards an older average age, such advancements are increasingly vital for public health and healthcare systems worldwide.

Understanding the molecular pathways that influence influenza severity in older adults can pave the way for novel treatment strategies to enhance immune resilience and reduce mortality rates in this vulnerable group.