Viral respiratory infections can be very serious in older people. The team at François Trottein (CNRS, INSERM, University of Lille, Lille University Hospital, Lille Center for Infection and Immunity, Pasteur Institute of Lille) studies the cellular senescence, a natural phenomenon linked to aging. In a preclinical model of influenza, researchers showed that the elimination of senescent cells through senolytic drugs does not affect viral load closestreduces lung inflammation. Eliminating these cells also promotes tissue repair and reduces the long-term effects of the infection. Among the observed improvements, emphysema, which impairs lung function, decreases. The use of senolytic drugs could therefore help improve recovery after severe viral pneumonia.
Senolytic Treatment Reduces Acute and Chronic Lung Inflammation in an Aged Mouse Model of Influenza
Delval L, Creskey M, Valentin C, Bordas C, Raviola S, Lipskaia L, Heumel S, Deruyter L, Sencio V, Wolowczuk I, Bernard D, Adnot S, Gosset P, Zhang X, Trottein F.
Aging Cell. 2026 Apr;25(4):e70480. doi: 10.1111/acel.70480
Lille Center for Infection and Immunity “University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, Pasteur Institute of Lille, Lille University Hospital”
