Reviewing What is Known of the Virome in Aging
Review synthesizes current knowledge of the human virome's role in aging, covering gut and circulating viral communities, persistent herpesviruses (including cytomegalovirus), and links to immunosenescence, chronic inflammation, and neurodegeneration. The paper highlights age-related shifts in phage composition, centenarian-associated virome features, major technical gaps (viral dark matter, profiling biases), and the need for antiviral tools and translational studies to test causality.
Why it mattersCytomegalovirus reactivation associates with immunosenescence and Alzheimer's risk; consider antiviral interventions in aging study designs.