Why elderly, diabetic are at higher risk of COVID infection

Researchers have identified that low microRNA (miRNA) immunity increases the risk of COVID-19 infection in older adults and people with diabetes.

MicroRNAs are a key class of gene expression regulators which play an important role in inflammation and immune response.

The study led by researchers from Nanjing University in China identified four circulating miRNAs — miR-7-5p, miR-24-3p, miR-145-5p and miR-223-3p — which are high in healthy people and much lower in older people and diabetic patients.

These miRNAs could effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by directly targeting the S protein, said Chen-Yu Zhang from the varsity’s School of Life Sciences.