Figure 2.

Crosstalk between cellular senescence and infections. Several aspects of senescence can be highlighted in infections: (a) immunosenescence due to chronic infections, which can impair the host immune responses and contribute to persistent infections; (b) the regulation of microbial replication and invasion where senescent cells can either enhance microbial replication or act as innate immune defence mechanisms limiting the rate of infection; (c) the microorganism-induced senescence, due to the direct induction of chronic DNA damage either indirectly via chronic inflammation and consequent oxidative stress, or directly by the production of genotoxins; (d) the senescence and modulation of the tissue microenvironment, which can contribute to the establishment of a favourable niche to ensure a successful infection.