FIGURE 1.

SARS-CoV-2 infection and aging mitochondria. After entering the host cell, SARS-CoV-2 releases its RNA genome, which is subsequently translated into structural and non-structural proteins. Both, viral RNA and proteins act as PAMPS able to trigger innate immune activation pathways that promote cytokines release. Viral proteins may also interact with mitochondrial components, resulting in altered mitochondrial function. These interactions are crucial for the virus to evade mitochondria-mediated innate immune responses and establish infection.