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Age associated susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in the K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model
Varun Dwivedi1, Vinay Shivanna2, Shalini Gautam2
1Disease Intervention & Prevention Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA.
Older mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed increased lung viral load, mortality, and impaired immune responses, particularly an IgM deficiency. This highlights age-related differences in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, remains a global health concern.
- Clinical data show a higher case fatality rate (CFR) in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 in young and aged K18-hACE2 transgenic mice.
- To understand age-dependent differences in COVID-19 immuno-pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of morbidity, mortality, viral titers, immune responses (IgM), and lung histopathology.
- Infection of young and aged K18-hACE2 transgenic mice with SARS-CoV-2.
Main Results:
- Aged mice exhibited slightly higher morbidity, mortality, and lung viral replication.
- Older mice showed an impaired IgM response and altered cytokine/chemokine profiles.
- Limited sample size per group was a constraint.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts aged mice more severely, with impaired immune responses.
- Findings contribute to understanding COVID-19 infectivity and immuno-pathogenesis in the elderly.
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