According to a group of Italian and American researchers led by Fabrizio d'Adda di Fagagna, the expression of the cell receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, ACE2 which is essential for mediating cell entry of the virus, increases in the lungs of ageing mice and humans. Damaged Telomeres in Elders Might Increase Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 Virus, Says Study.