Age is Associated With Increased Expression of Pattern Recognition Receptor Genes and ACE2, the Receptor for SARs-Cov-2: Implications for the Epidemiology of COVID-19 Disease

Abstract Background: Older aged adults and those with pre-existing conditions are at highest risk for severe COVID-19 associated outcomes. Methods: Using a large dataset of genome-wide RNA-seq profiles derived from human dermal fibroblasts (GSE113957) we investigated whether age affects the expression of pattern recognition receptor (PRR) genes and ACE2, the receptor for SARS-CoV-2. Results: Older age was associated with increased expression of PRR genes, ACE2 and four genes that encode proteins that have been shown to interact with SAR2-CoV-2 proteins. Conclusions: Assessment of PRR expression might provide a strategy for stratifying the risk of severe COVID-19 disease at both the individual and population levels.