Fig. 3.

SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in the elderly. The immune system of older individuals tends to remain in a constant pro-inflammatory state that worsens upon infection due to the hyperactivity of angiotensin II induced via the renin angiotensin system. The previous inflammatory status and viral-induced inflammation, together result in an excessive inflammatory immune response that leads to a cytokine storm. In addition, the cellular damage caused by the virus can, in conjunction with the action of cytokines, result in severe disease