Researchers at the University of Michigan attributed the incidence to decreased activity of alveolar macrophages. Macrophages are immune cells that engulf various pathogens. Such cells, of course, are also found in the lungs, where they play a particularly important role.
In people older than 65 years, the activity of alveolar macrophages is reduced. Therefore, protection against flu and colds is reduced. The experiment showed that macrophages from aged mice could be reactivated if transplanted into young mice.
Scientists have also found that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is one of the regulators of macrophage activity. And with age, the amount of this mediator in the lungs increases.
Source: Ferra
