Journal Article Review Ppublish
PubMed: 42713810 DOI: 10.1155/bmri/8581187
Aging and Viral Respiratory Infections: Focus on Vitamin D and Microbiota.
Biomed Res Int 2026(1):e8581187
Authors: Shahab Falahi, Amir Abdoli, Elham Aboualigalehdari, Ava Hashempour, Azra Kenarkoohi
Affiliations
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran, medilam.ac.ir.
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, modares.ac.ir.
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Paramedical Science, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran, medilam.ac.ir.
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, sums.ac.ir.
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran, medilam.ac.ir.
Abstract
Viral respiratory infections in older adults tend to be more severe and linked to increased mortality. Factors such as lung aging and changes in its structure and function; aging of the immune system and decrease in its function with age; and inflammaging, the accumulation of senescent cells with age with senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) (is a secretory profile that includes the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, and matrix-metalloproteinases) leads to an increase in the susceptibility and vulnerability of older adults to respiratory infections. Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, including rising rates of vitamin D deficiency, can also exacerbate respiratory infections in older adults. Vitamin D plays a role in maintaining epithelial integrity and has anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin D enhances innate immune responses and suppresses adaptive immune responses, thereby restoring the immune system to homeostasis. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with microbiota dysbiosis and inflammation, and higher vitamin D levels are associated with greater abundance of beneficial, protective microbiota against respiratory infections. A more profound comprehension of the advantageous impacts of vitamin D in respiratory viral infections, particularly the relationship between vitamin D and the microbiota, will provide new perspectives on the importance of vitamin D assessment and standardization.
MeSH
Vitamin D, Vitamins, Biomedical Research, Aging, Respiratory Tract Infections, Immune System, Immunity, Microbiota, Infections