Covid-19 & Senescent T-cells

SARS-CoV-2 and Senescent T Cells: Understanding Immune Aging and COVID-19 Severity

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, has highlighted the critical role of immune system health in disease progression. One key factor is the presence of senescent T cells, which are aged or dysfunctional immune cells that have lost their ability to effectively respond to infections. These cells accumulate with age, chronic stress, and underlying health conditions, contributing to immune exhaustion and impaired viral clearance.

Research shows that individuals with higher levels of T cell senescence may experience more severe COVID-19 outcomes, prolonged inflammation, and slower recovery. Senescent T cells can promote a pro-inflammatory state, often referred to as “inflammaging,” which worsens the cytokine storm seen in severe SARS-CoV-2 infections. In contrast, a youthful, diverse T cell population is associated with stronger antiviral defense and resilience against COVID-19.

Understanding the connection between SARS-CoV-2 infection, T cell aging, and immune senescence is crucial for developing targeted therapies, improving vaccine responses, and protecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly or immunocompromised. Supporting immune health through lifestyle, nutrition, and medical interventions may help mitigate the risks linked to T cell dysfunction and enhance resistance to COVID-19 and future viral threats.

Immunosenescence

Cellular senescence in T cells

Aging immune system

Exhausted T cells

T cell dysfunction

Senescent immune cells

T cell aging markers

CD8+ T cell senescence

CD4+ T cell senescence

T cell replicative senescence

T cell exhaustion vs senescence

Inflammaging and T cells

Telomere shortening in T cells

Senescent lymphocytes

T cell senescence biomarkers

T cell immunotherapy challenges

Chronic infection and T cell senescence

Senescent T cells in cancer

SARS-CoV-2 and T cell senescence

Reversing T cell senescence