1
|
Trombetta CM, Accardi G, Aiello A, Calabrò A, Caruso C, Ligotti ME, Marchi S, Montomoli E, Neto MM, Temperton N, Candore G. Centenarians, semi and supercentenarians, COVID-19 and Spanish flu: a serological assessment to gain insight into the resilience of older centenarians to COVID-19. Immun Ageing 2024; 21:44. [PMID: 38937774 PMCID: PMC11210044 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-024-00450-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although it is well known that the older people have been the most susceptible to COVID-19, there are conflicting data on the susceptibility of centenarians. Two epidemiological study have shown that older centenarians (> 101 years old at the time of the 2020 pandemic peak) are more resilient than the remaining centenarians, suggesting that this resilience might be linked to the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. To gain insight into this matter, specifically whether the resilience of older centenarians to SARS-CoV-2 infection is linked to the Spanish Flu they had been affected by, we conducted a retrospective serological study. This study examined serum samples from 33 centenarians, encompassing semi- (aged > 104 < 110 years, N = 7) and supercentenarians (aged > 109 years, N = 4), born between 1905 and 1922, against both SARS-CoV-2 and 1918 H1N1 pseudotype virus. RESULTS Anamnestic and laboratory data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 8 centenarians. The infection appeared to have been asymptomatic or mild, and hospitalization was not required, despite 3 out of 8 being between 109 and 110 years old. The levels of anti-spike antibodies in centenarians infected and/or vaccinated were higher, although not significantly, than those produced by a random sample of seventy-year-old individuals used as controls. All centenarians had antibody levels against the 1918 H1N1 virus significantly higher (almost 50 times) than those observed in the quoted group of seventy-year-old subjects, confirming the key role in maintaining immunological memory from a priming that occurred over 100 years ago. Centenarians whose blood was collected prior to the pandemic outbreak demonstrated neutralising antibodies against the 1918 H1N1 virus, but all these subjects tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSION This retrospective study shows that older centenarians are quite resilient to COVID-19, as they are capable of producing good levels of neutralising antibodies and experiencing mild or asymptomatic disease. This could be attributed to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic through mechanisms other than the presence of cross-reactive antibodies between the 1918 H1N1 virus and SARS-CoV-2. Another possibility is that the association is purely temporal, solely correlated with the advanced age of resilient centenarians compared to those born after 1918, since older centenarians are known to have better control of immune-inflammatory responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Maria Trombetta
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- VisMederi Research srl, Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Accardi
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Aiello
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Calabrò
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Calogero Caruso
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Mattia Emanuela Ligotti
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Research, ISMETT-IRCCS Mediterranean Institute forTransplants and Highly Specialized Therapies, Palermo, Italy
| | - Serena Marchi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- VisMederi Research srl, Siena, Italy
- VisMederi srl, Siena, Italy
| | - Martin Mayora Neto
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Kent, UK
| | - Nigel Temperton
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Kent, UK
| | - Giuseppina Candore
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gopal V, Koh MCY, Ngiam JN, Hang-Cheng O, Somani J, Tambyah PA, Tey J. Does Prior Respiratory Viral Infection Provide Cross-Protection Against Subsequent Respiratory Viral Infections? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Viruses 2024; 16:982. [PMID: 38932273 PMCID: PMC11209343 DOI: 10.3390/v16060982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The epidemiology of different respiratory viral infections is believed to be affected by prior viral infections in addition to seasonal effects. This PROSPERO-registered systematic review identified 7388 studies, of which six met our criteria to answer the question specifically. The purpose of this review was to compare the prevalence of sequential viral infections in those with previously documented positive versus negative swabs. The pooled prevalence of sequential viral infections over varying periods from 30-1000 days of follow-up was higher following a negative respiratory viral swab at 0.15 than following a positive swab at 0.08, indicating the potential protective effects of prior respiratory viral infections. However, significant heterogeneity and publication biases were noted. There is some evidence, albeit of low quality, of a possible protective effect of an initial viral infection against subsequent infections by a different virus, which is possibly due to broad, nonspecific innate immunity. Future prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vennila Gopal
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore (P.A.T.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Matthew Chung Yi Koh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (M.C.Y.K.); (J.N.N.)
| | - Jinghao Nicholas Ngiam
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (M.C.Y.K.); (J.N.N.)
| | - Ong Hang-Cheng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Jyoti Somani
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore (P.A.T.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (M.C.Y.K.); (J.N.N.)
| | - Paul Anatharajah Tambyah
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore (P.A.T.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (M.C.Y.K.); (J.N.N.)
| | - Jeremy Tey
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore (P.A.T.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cruces-Salguero S, Larrañaga I, García-Galindo A, Armañanzas R, Mar J, Matheu A. Analysis of response of centenarians of the Basque Country to COVID-19. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:1926-1929. [PMID: 38445849 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cruces-Salguero
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Igor Larrañaga
- Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Debagoiena Integrated Healthcare Organisation, Research Unit, Arrasate-Mondragón, Spain
- Kronikgune Institute for Health Services Research, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Alberto García-Galindo
- Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DATAI), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- TECNUN School of Engineering, Universidad de Navarra, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Rubén Armañanzas
- Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DATAI), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- TECNUN School of Engineering, Universidad de Navarra, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Javier Mar
- Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Debagoiena Integrated Healthcare Organisation, Research Unit, Arrasate-Mondragón, Spain
- Kronikgune Institute for Health Services Research, Barakaldo, Spain
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Ander Matheu
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento (CIBERfes), Carlos III Institute, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ligotti ME, Accardi G, Aiello A, Aprile S, Calabrò A, Caldarella R, Caruso C, Ciaccio M, Corsale AM, Dieli F, Di Simone M, Giammanco GM, Mascarella C, Akbar AN, Meraviglia S, Candore G. Sicilian semi- and supercentenarians: identification of age-related T-cell immunophenotype to define longevity trait. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 214:61-78. [PMID: 37395602 PMCID: PMC10711357 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunophenotype of oldest centenarians, i.e. semi- and supercentenarians, could provide important information about their ability to adapt to factors associated with immune changes, including ageing per se and chronic Cytomegalovirus infection. We investigated, by flow cytometry, variations in percentages and absolute numbers of immune cell subsets, focusing on T cells, and pro-inflammatory parameters in a cohort of 28 women and 26 men (age range 19-110 years). We observed variability in hallmarks of immunosenescence related to age and Cytomegalovirus serological status. The eight oldest centenarians showed the lowest percentages of naïve T cells, due to their age, and the highest percentages of T-effector memory cells re-expressing CD45RA (TEMRA), according to their cytomegalovirus status, and high levels of serum pro-inflammatory parameters, although their means were lower than that of remaining 90+ donors. Some of them showed CD8 naïve and TEMRA percentages, and exhaustion/pro-inflammatory markers comparable to the younger ones. Our study supports the suggestion that immune ageing, especially of oldest centenarians, exhibits great variability that is not only attributable to a single contributor but should also be the full result of a combination of several factors. Everyone ages differently because he/she is unique in genetics and experience of life and this applies even more to the immune system; everybody has had a different immunological history. Furthermore, our findings on inflammatory markers, TEMRA and CMV seropositivity in centenarians, discussed in the light of the most recent literature, suggest that these changes might be not unfavourable for centenarians, and in particular for the oldest ones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Emanuela Ligotti
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Accardi
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Aiello
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Aprile
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Unit of Transfusion Medicine, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Agrigento, Italy
| | - Anna Calabrò
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosalia Caldarella
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, Palermo, Italy
| | - Calogero Caruso
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marcello Ciaccio
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, Palermo, Italy
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine and Clinical Laboratory Medicine Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Corsale
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Dieli
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marta Di Simone
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maurizio Giammanco
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Mascarella
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Arne N Akbar
- Division of Medicine, Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Serena Meraviglia
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Candore
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Accardi G, Aiello A, Aprile S, Calabrò A, Caldarella R, Caruso C, Ciaccio M, Dieli F, Ligotti ME, Meraviglia S, Candore G. The Phenotypic Characterization of the Oldest Italian Man from December 28, 2020, to September 23, 2021, A.T., Strengthens the Idea That the Immune System can Play a Key Role in the Attainment of Extreme Longevity. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7591. [PMID: 38137660 PMCID: PMC10744028 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we present demographic, clinical, anamnestic, cognitive, and functional data, as well as haematological, haematochemical, immunological, and genetic parameters of an exceptional individual: A.T., a semi-supercentenarian who held the title of the oldest living Italian male centenarian from 28 December 2020, to 23 September 2021. The purpose of this study is to provide fresh insights into extreme phenotypes, with a particular focus on immune-inflammatory parameters. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first phenotypic investigation of a semi-supercentenarian, illustrating both INFLA-score, a metric designed to assess the cumulative impact of inflammatory markers and indicators of age-related immune phenotype (ARIP), recognized as significant gauges of biological ageing. The aim of this study was, indeed, to advance our understanding of the role of immune-inflammatory responses in achieving extreme longevity. The results of laboratory tests, as well as clinical history and interview data, when compared to the results of our recent study on Sicilian centenarians, demonstrate an excellent state of health considering his age. Consistent with previous studies, we observed increased IL-6 inflammatory markers and INFLA score in A.T. More interestingly, the semi-supercentenarian showed values of ARIP indicators such as naïve CD4+ cells, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and CD4+TN/TM ratio in the range of young adult individuals, suggesting that his immune system's biological age was younger than the chronological one. The results support the notion that the immune system can play a role in promoting extreme longevity. However, this does not rule out the involvement of other body systems or organs in achieving extreme longevity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Accardi
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (A.A.); (A.C.); (M.E.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Anna Aiello
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (A.A.); (A.C.); (M.E.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Stefano Aprile
- Unit of Transfusion Medicine, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, 92100 Agrigento, Italy;
| | - Anna Calabrò
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (A.A.); (A.C.); (M.E.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Rosalia Caldarella
- Department of Laboratory medicine, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Calogero Caruso
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (A.A.); (A.C.); (M.E.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Marcello Ciaccio
- Department of Laboratory medicine, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.C.); (M.C.)
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Dieli
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (F.D.); (S.M.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mattia Emanuela Ligotti
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (A.A.); (A.C.); (M.E.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Serena Meraviglia
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (F.D.); (S.M.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Candore
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (A.A.); (A.C.); (M.E.L.); (G.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Caruso C, Marcon G, Accardi G, Aiello A, Calabrò A, Ligotti ME, Tettamanti M, Franceschi C, Candore G. Role of Sex and Age in Fatal Outcomes of COVID-19: Women and Older Centenarians Are More Resilient. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2638. [PMID: 36768959 PMCID: PMC9916733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present paper, we have analysed the role of age and sex in the fatal outcome of COVID-19, as there are conflicting results in the literature. As such, we have answered three controversial questions regarding this aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) Have women been more resilient than men? (2) Did centenarians die less than the remaining older people? (3) Were older centenarians more resistant to SARS-CoV-2 than younger centenarians? The literature review demonstrated that: (1) it is women who are more resilient, in agreement with data showing that women live longer than men even during severe famines and epidemics; however, there are conflicting data regarding centenarian men; (2) centenarians overall did not die less than remaining older people, likely linked to their frailty; (3) in the first pandemic wave of 2020, centenarians > 101 years old (i.e., born before 1919), but not "younger centenarians", have been more resilient to COVID-19 and this may be related to the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic, although it is unclear what the mechanisms might be involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Calogero Caruso
- Laboratorio di Immunopatologia e Immunosenescenza, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università di Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Marcon
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico Chirurgiche e della Salute, Università di Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Dipartinento di Area Medica, Università di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Giulia Accardi
- Laboratorio di Immunopatologia e Immunosenescenza, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università di Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Aiello
- Laboratorio di Immunopatologia e Immunosenescenza, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università di Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Calabrò
- Laboratorio di Immunopatologia e Immunosenescenza, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università di Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mattia Emanuela Ligotti
- Laboratorio di Immunopatologia e Immunosenescenza, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università di Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mauro Tettamanti
- Laboratorio di Epidemiologia Geriatrica, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Candore
- Laboratorio di Immunopatologia e Immunosenescenza, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università di Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Caruso C, Accardi G, Aiello A, Calabrò A, Ligotti ME, Candore G. Centenarians born before 1919 are resistant to COVID-19. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:217-220. [PMID: 36319938 PMCID: PMC9628492 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-022-02287-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Although mortality from COVID-19 progressively increases with age, there are controversial data in the literature on the probability of centenarians dying from COVID-19. Moreover, it has been claimed that men in their 90s and 100s are more resilient than women. To gain insight into this matter, we analysed, according to gender, mortality data during the first year of pandemic of Sicilian nonagenarians and centenarians. We used mortality data from the 2019 as a control. The crude excess mortality between the two years was calculated. Data on deaths of Sicilian 90 + years show that, in line with what is known about the different response to infections between the two genders, oldest females are more resilient to COVID-19 than males. Moreover, centenarians born before 1919, but not "younger centenarians", are resilient to COVID-19. This latter datum should be related to the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic, although the mechanisms involved are not clear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Calogero Caruso
- grid.10776.370000 0004 1762 5517Laboratorio di Immunopatologia e Immunosenescenza, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Accardi
- grid.10776.370000 0004 1762 5517Laboratorio di Immunopatologia e Immunosenescenza, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Aiello
- grid.10776.370000 0004 1762 5517Laboratorio di Immunopatologia e Immunosenescenza, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Calabrò
- grid.10776.370000 0004 1762 5517Laboratorio di Immunopatologia e Immunosenescenza, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mattia Emanuela Ligotti
- grid.10776.370000 0004 1762 5517Laboratorio di Immunopatologia e Immunosenescenza, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Candore
- grid.10776.370000 0004 1762 5517Laboratorio di Immunopatologia e Immunosenescenza, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Randomization, design and analysis for interdependency in aging research: no person or mouse is an island. NATURE AGING 2022; 2:1101-1111. [PMID: 37063472 PMCID: PMC10099485 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-022-00333-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Investigators traditionally use randomized designs and corresponding analysis procedures to make causal inferences about the effects of interventions, assuming independence between an individual's outcome and treatment assignment and the outcomes of other individuals in the study. Often, such independence may not hold. We provide examples of interdependency in model organism studies and human trials and group effects in aging research and then discuss methodologic issues and solutions. We group methodologic issues as they pertain to (1) single-stage individually randomized trials; (2) cluster-randomized controlled trials; (3) pseudo-cluster-randomized trials; (4) individually randomized group treatment; and (5) two-stage randomized designs. Although we present possible strategies for design and analysis to improve the rigor, accuracy and reproducibility of the science, we also acknowledge real-world constraints. Consequences of nonadherence, differential attrition or missing data, unintended exposure to multiple treatments and other practical realities can be reduced with careful planning, proper study designs and best practices.
Collapse
|
9
|
de Castro MV, Silva MVR, Naslavsky MS, Scliar MO, Nunes K, Passos-Bueno MR, Castelli EC, Magawa JY, Adami FL, Moretti AIS, de Oliveira VL, Boscardin SB, Cunha-Neto E, Kalil J, Jouanguy E, Bastard P, Casanova JL, Quiñones-Vega M, Sosa-Acosta P, Guedes JDS, de Almeida NP, Nogueira FCS, Domont GB, Santos KS, Zatz M. The oldest unvaccinated Covid-19 survivors in South America. Immun Ageing 2022; 19:57. [PMID: 36384671 PMCID: PMC9666972 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-022-00310-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although older adults are at a high risk of severe or critical Covid-19, there are many cases of unvaccinated centenarians who had a silent infection or recovered from mild or moderate Covid-19. We studied three Brazilian supercentenarians, older than 110 years, who survived Covid-19 in 2020 before being vaccinated. RESULTS Despite their advanced age, humoral immune response analysis showed that these individuals displayed robust levels of IgG and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against SARS-CoV-2. Enrichment of plasma proteins and metabolites related to innate immune response and host defense was also observed. None presented autoantibodies (auto-Abs) to type I interferon (IFN). Furthermore, these supercentenarians do not carry rare variants in genes underlying the known inborn errors of immunity, including particular inborn errors of type I IFN. CONCLUSION These observations suggest that their Covid-19 resilience might be a combination of their genetic background and their innate and adaptive immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mateus V de Castro
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monize V R Silva
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michel S Naslavsky
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marilia O Scliar
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kelly Nunes
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Rita Passos-Bueno
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Erick C Castelli
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jhosiene Y Magawa
- Laboratório de Imunologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), LIM19, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia-Instituto Nacional de Ciências e Tecnologia-iii-INCT, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Disciplina de Imunologia Clínica e Alergia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia L Adami
- Laboratory of Antigen Targeting to Dendritic Cells, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana I S Moretti
- Laboratório de Imunologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), LIM19, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vivian L de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Imunologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), LIM19, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia B Boscardin
- Laboratory of Antigen Targeting to Dendritic Cells, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edecio Cunha-Neto
- Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia-Instituto Nacional de Ciências e Tecnologia-iii-INCT, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Disciplina de Imunologia Clínica e Alergia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jorge Kalil
- Laboratório de Imunologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), LIM19, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia-Instituto Nacional de Ciências e Tecnologia-iii-INCT, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emmanuelle Jouanguy
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France
- Imagine Institute, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Paul Bastard
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France
- Imagine Institute, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Laurent Casanova
- Imagine Institute, University of Paris, Paris, France
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mauricio Quiñones-Vega
- Proteomics Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Proteomics (LabProt), Institute of Chemistry, LADETEC, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia Sosa-Acosta
- Proteomics Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Proteomics (LabProt), Institute of Chemistry, LADETEC, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jéssica de S Guedes
- Proteomics Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Proteomics (LabProt), Institute of Chemistry, LADETEC, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Natália P de Almeida
- Proteomics Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Proteomics (LabProt), Institute of Chemistry, LADETEC, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fábio C S Nogueira
- Proteomics Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Proteomics (LabProt), Institute of Chemistry, LADETEC, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gilberto B Domont
- Proteomics Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Keity S Santos
- Laboratório de Imunologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), LIM19, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia-Instituto Nacional de Ciências e Tecnologia-iii-INCT, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Disciplina de Imunologia Clínica e Alergia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayana Zatz
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Castelli EC, de Castro MV, Naslavsky MS, Scliar MO, Silva NSB, Pereira RN, Ciriaco VAO, Castro CFB, Mendes-Junior CT, Silveira EDS, de Oliveira IM, Antonio EC, Vieira GF, Meyer D, Nunes K, Matos LRB, Silva MVR, Wang JYT, Esposito J, Cória VR, Magawa JY, Santos KS, Cunha-Neto E, Kalil J, Bortolin RH, Hirata MH, Dell’Aquila LP, Razuk-Filho A, Batista-Júnior PB, Duarte-Neto AN, Dolhnikoff M, Saldiva PHN, Passos-Bueno MR, Zatz M. MUC22, HLA-A, and HLA-DOB variants and COVID-19 in resilient super-agers from Brazil. Front Immunol 2022; 13:975918. [PMID: 36389712 PMCID: PMC9641602 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.975918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although aging correlates with a worse prognosis for Covid-19, super elderly still unvaccinated individuals presenting mild or no symptoms have been reported worldwide. Most of the reported genetic variants responsible for increased disease susceptibility are associated with immune response, involving type I IFN immunity and modulation; HLA cluster genes; inflammasome activation; genes of interleukins; and chemokines receptors. On the other hand, little is known about the resistance mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we addressed polymorphisms in the MHC region associated with Covid-19 outcome in super elderly resilient patients as compared to younger patients with a severe outcome. METHODS SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by RT-PCR test. Aiming to identify candidate genes associated with host resistance, we investigated 87 individuals older than 90 years who recovered from Covid-19 with mild symptoms or who remained asymptomatic following positive test for SARS-CoV-2 as compared to 55 individuals younger than 60 years who had a severe disease or died due to Covid-19, as well as to the general elderly population from the same city. Whole-exome sequencing and an in-depth analysis of the MHC region was performed. All samples were collected in early 2020 and before the local vaccination programs started. RESULTS We found that the resilient super elderly group displayed a higher frequency of some missense variants in the MUC22 gene (a member of the mucins' family) as one of the strongest signals in the MHC region as compared to the severe Covid-19 group and the general elderly control population. For example, the missense variant rs62399430 at MUC22 is two times more frequent among the resilient super elderly (p = 0.00002, OR = 2.24). CONCLUSION Since the pro-inflammatory basal state in the elderly may enhance the susceptibility to severe Covid-19, we hypothesized that MUC22 might play an important protective role against severe Covid-19, by reducing overactive immune responses in the senior population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erick C. Castelli
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit (Unipex), School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Mateus V. de Castro
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michel S. Naslavsky
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marilia O. Scliar
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nayane S. B. Silva
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit (Unipex), School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Raphaela N. Pereira
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit (Unipex), School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Viviane A. O. Ciriaco
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit (Unipex), School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Camila F. B. Castro
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit (Unipex), School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
- Centro Universitário Sudoeste Paulista, Avaré, Brazil
| | - Celso T. Mendes-Junior
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofa, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Etiele de S. Silveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Iuri M. de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Eduardo C. Antonio
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gustavo F. Vieira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratório de Saúde Humana In Silico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade La Salle, Canoas, Brazil
| | - Diogo Meyer
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kelly Nunes
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa R. B. Matos
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monize V. R. Silva
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Y. T. Wang
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joyce Esposito
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vivian R. Cória
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jhosiene Y. Magawa
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Disciplina de Alergia e Imunologia Clínica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), LIM19, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia, Instituto Nacional de Ciências e Tecnologia-iii (INCT), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Keity S. Santos
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Disciplina de Alergia e Imunologia Clínica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), LIM19, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia, Instituto Nacional de Ciências e Tecnologia-iii (INCT), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edecio Cunha-Neto
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Disciplina de Alergia e Imunologia Clínica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), LIM19, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia, Instituto Nacional de Ciências e Tecnologia-iii (INCT), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jorge Kalil
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Disciplina de Alergia e Imunologia Clínica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), LIM19, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia, Instituto Nacional de Ciências e Tecnologia-iii (INCT), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raul H. Bortolin
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mário Hiroyuki Hirata
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Amaro N. Duarte-Neto
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marisa Dolhnikoff
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo H. N. Saldiva
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Rita Passos-Bueno
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayana Zatz
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|