A UCL and Wellcome Sanger Institute study found age-related differences in nasal cell response to SARS-CoV-2, possibly explaining why COVID-19 symptoms are typically milder in children.

The research showed that children's nasal cells quickly increase interferon production upon infection, inhibiting the virus, whereas elderly individuals' cells produce more infectious particles and sustain more damage.

Findings highlight the potential for developing age-specific anti-viral treatments, particularly for the elderly who are more susceptible to severe COVID-19.

The study emphasizes the necessity of considering age in the research and treatment of infectious diseases and suggests further exploration of the impact of aging on the body's viral response.

The research was supported by UKRI, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome, and the Chan Zuckerberg Foundation.