Preprint Review Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Immunosenescence and Cytomegalovirus: Exploring Their Connection in the Context of Aging, Health, and Disease

Version 1 : Received: 19 November 2023 / Approved: 20 November 2023 / Online: 20 November 2023 (05:14:11 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Müller, L.; Di Benedetto, S. Immunosenescence and Cytomegalovirus: Exploring Their Connection in the Context of Aging, Health, and Disease. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 753. Müller, L.; Di Benedetto, S. Immunosenescence and Cytomegalovirus: Exploring Their Connection in the Context of Aging, Health, and Disease. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 753.

Abstract

Aging induces numerous physiological alterations, with immunosenescence emerging as a pivotal factor. This phenomenon has attracted both researchers and clinicians, prompting pro-found questions about its implications for health and disease. Among the contributing factors, one intriguing actor in this complex interplay is human cytomegalovirus (CMV), a member of the herpesvirus family. Latent CMV infection exerts a profound influence on the aging immune system, potentially contributing to age-related diseases. This review delves into the intricate relationship between immunosenescence and CMV, revealing how chronic viral infection im-pacts the aging immune landscape. We explore the mechanisms through which CMV can im-pact both the composition and functionality of immune cell populations and induce shifts in in-flammatory profiles with aging. Moreover, we examine potential role of CMV in such pathol-ogies as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, COVID-19, and Long COVID. This review underlines the importance of understanding the complex interplay be-tween immunosenescence and CMV. It offers insights into the pathophysiology of aging and age-associated diseases, as well as COVID-19 outcomes among the elderly. By unraveling the connections between immunosenescence and CMV, we gain a deeper understanding of aging's remarkable journey and the profound role that viral infections play in transforming the human immune system.

Keywords

aging; immunosenescence; cytomegalovirus; inflammaging; CMV latency; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; long COVID; age-related diseases

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Immunology and Microbiology

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