Using pre-clinical models to determine molecular candidates that contribute to the higher risk of COVID-19 during aging

COVID-19 has emerged as an age-related disease whose mechanisms are still poorly understood. Using a combination of hypothesis-oriented and unsupervised, data-driven approaches, as well as patients and pre-clinical models, we expect to come up with candidate proteins and pathways which could not only predict the susceptibility to the disease, but also unveil the molecular mechanisms through which aging contributes to SARS-Cov-2 infection. We also expect to provide candidate FDA and ANVISA approved drugs which could potentially target these pathways to prevent, mitigate or eliminate virus infection. Our overarching aim is to elucidate how aging constitutes the main risk factor for COVID-19, providing potential solutions to its pandemic.