London, April 15 (IANS) Nasal cells of young and elderly people respond to the Covid virus differently and a new study on Monday explained why kids experience milder symptoms than adults.
The research by researchers at University College London (UCL) and the Wellcome Sanger Institute in the UK focused on early effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the cells first targeted by the viruses.
The study, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, found that after three days, the nasal epithelial cells (NECs) of children responded quickly to the Covid virus by increasing interferon (the body’s first line of antiviral defence), thus restricting viral replication.
However, this early anti-viral effect became less pronounced with age, the study found.
The researchers also found that NECs from elderly individuals not only produced more infectious virus particles but also experienced increased cell shedding and damage.
“Our research reveals how the type of cells we have in our nose changes with age, and how this affects our ability to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection,” said Dr Claire Smith, Associate Professor at UCL.
According to the study, kids infected with SARS-CoV-2 rarely progress to respiratory failure, but the risk of mortality in infected people over the age of 85 remains high, despite vaccination and improving treatment options.
This could be crucial in developing effective anti-viral treatments tailored to different age groups, especially for the elderly who are at higher risk of severe Covid-19.
–IANS
na/vd
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
