The genetic response of older fruit flies to viral infections is impaired compared to younger flies
A study conducted at The University of Alabama found that older fruit flies were more susceptible to viral infections, and died sooner than younger fruit flies. This was due to their different genetic responses.
The recent findings in G3:Genes, Genomes and Genetics have added to our understanding of innate immune system, the first line defense against infection, that is not well understood in humans. They also prove that the fruit fly Drosophila is an excellent candidate for studies on aging immunity which could lead to improvements in the treatment of viral infections among older people.
Stanislava Ctarbanova, assistant professor in biological sciences at the University of Arizona, whose lab conducted the study, said: \”We live in a time where aging populations are on the rise, and we also know that immune function declines as we age.\” This is the first time that a fly has been used to investigate age-dependent anti-viral response. This genetic model can be used by our lab to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie aging immunity.
Source:
https://phys.org/news/2021-05-aging-fruit-flies-impaired-genetic.html
