Local Defense Research Articles

Severe diseases of the anterior segment of the eye accompanied by somatic pathology and COVID-19: clinical cases under the pandemic

The article presents three clinical cases of severe pathologies of the anterior segment of the eye, which developed in patients with serious concomitant somatic diseases and COVID-19 under the pandemic. Our observations show that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can contribute to the onset of severe keratitis and keratouveitis, characterized by a long torpid course, relapses, and a poorly predicted outcome. In patients with coronavirus and severe somatic pathology, these diseases have atypical symptoms that complicate the diagnosis, are resistant to treatment, and require an extended period of convalescence. This can be explained by pronounced vascular inflammatory reactions, a possible invasion of eye tissue by viral particles, disruption of tear production, a decrease in local immune defense factors of the eye and systemic immunity, and a violation of the hemato-ophthalmic barrier. Local and general drug treatment brought weakly positive changes. The course of the disease took an undulating character. The description of the clinical cases reflects the polymorphism of symptoms and the multiorganic character of damages associated with COVID-19.

IκBζ controls IL-17-triggered gene expression program in intestinal epithelial cells that restricts colonization of SFB and prevents Th17-associated pathologies

Control of gut microbes is crucial for not only local defense in the intestine but also proper systemic immune responses. Although intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) play important roles in cytokine-mediated control of enterobacteria, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we show that deletion of IκBζ in IECs in mice leads to dysbiosis with marked expansion of segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), thereby enhancing Th17 cell development and exacerbating inflammatory diseases. Mechanistically, the IκBζ deficiency results in decrease in the number of Paneth cells and impairment in expression of IL-17-inducible genes involved in IgA production. The decrease in Paneth cells is caused by aberrant activation of IFN-γ signaling and a failure of IL-17-dependent recovery from IFN-γ-induced damage. Thus, the IL-17R–IκBζ axis in IECs contributes to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis by serving as a key component in a regulatory loop between the gut microbiota and immune cells.

Identification of Silencing Suppressor Protein Encoded by Strawberry Mottle Virus.

Strawberry mottle virus (SMoV) is associated with strawberry decline disease, causing losses to fruit yield and quality. In this study, using a screening system that enables detection of both local and systemic plant host (RNA silencing) defense responses, we found that Pro2Glu and P28, encoded by SMoV RNA2 genome, functioned to suppress local and systemic RNA silencing triggered by single- but not double-stranded GFP RNA. Subcellular localization assay revealed that both Pro2Glu and P28 were localized to nucleus and cytoplasm. The deletion of 11 amino acid residues at the C-terminus destabilized Pro2Glu protein, and the disruption of two conserved GW motifs deprived Pro2Glu of ability to suppress RNA silencing. Additionally, SMoV Pro2Glu and P28 enhanced the accumulation of potato virus X (PVX) in Nicotiana benthamiana 22 days post-infiltration, and P28 exacerbated significantly the symptoms of PVX. Collectively, these data indicate that the genome of SMoV RNA2 encodes two suppressors of RNA silencing. This is the first identification of a stramovirus suppressor of RNA silencing.

The Potential Role of SP-G as Surface Tension Regulator in Tear Film: From Molecular Simulations to Experimental Observations.

The ocular surface is in constant interaction with the environment and with numerous pathogens. Therefore, complex mechanisms such as a stable tear film and local immune defense mechanisms are required to protect the eye. This study describes the detection, characterization, and putative role of surfactant protein G (SP-G/SFTA2) with respect to wound healing and surface activity. Bioinformatic, biochemical, and immunological methods were combined to elucidate the role of SP-G in tear film. The results show the presence of SP-G in ocular surface tissues and tear film (TF). Increased expression of SP-G was demonstrated in TF of patients with dry eye disease (DED). Addition of recombinant SP-G in combination with lipids led to an accelerated wound healing of human corneal cells as well as to a reduction of TF surface tension. Molecular modeling of TF suggest that SP-G may regulate tear film surface tension and improve its stability through specific interactions with lipids components of the tear film. In conclusion, SP-G is an ocular surface protein with putative wound healing properties that can also reduce the surface tension of the tear film.

Oral microbial landscape and local defense factors in patients with β-thalassemia major

Relevance. Oral microbiocenosis, a multi-component system, has specific characteristics during dental and systemic disease development.Material and methods. The study examined 32 patients with β-thalassemia major and 30 systemically-healthy periodontal patients. The average age of the examined patients was 13-17 years and ≥18 years. We determined the nature of microbiocenosis, which is identified by the spectrum, frequency of occurrence and number of some microorganisms, to establish quantitative and qualitative parameters of normal, commensal and pathogenic oral microorganisms in both groups.Results. Based on the received data, the mixed oral fluid microbiocenosis structure is qualitatively and quantitatively sufficiently stable in practically healthy subjects; microorganisms are represented by four main genera, namely, Lactobacillus spp., Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae. The oral microflora associated with the development of thalassemia undergoes significant pathological changes with the development of systemic and local immune disorders and dysbiosis. Structural analysis of local defense factors and species representatives of microflora in patients with β-thalassemia major showed that salivary flow rate significantly decreases and the commensal and pathogenic microorganism quantitative and qualitative parameters significantly increase, associated with the comorbidity.Conclusion. Salivary flow rate significantly decreases, and quantitative and qualitative parameters of commensal and pathogenic microorganisms increase associated with β-thalassemia major. Such conditions lead to the appearance and development of major dental diseases, including inflammatory periodontal diseases.

Characteristics of CD8+ and CD4+ Tissue-Resident Memory Lymphocytes in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRMs) are plentiful in the memory T cell pool and persist in barrier sites without recirculating. Increasing evidence has shown that some kinds of CD8+ TRMs and CD4+ TRMs are resident in the gastrointestinal tract (GI), playing an important role in the context of microbiota-immune interactions, infections, maintenance of tissue homeostasis, and tumor surveillance. Although sharing some similar phenotypes, functional properties, and transcriptional regulation with other tissue-TRMs, gastrointestinal tract TRMs (GI-TRMs) have unique phenotypic and functional characteristics reshaped by the local microenvironment. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge on the regulation, maintenance, and function of the CD8+ TRMs and CD4+ TRMs in GI, exploring how these cells contribute to local immune defense, tissue homeostasis, and tumor surveillance.

Inflammation and Wasting of Skeletal Muscles in Kras-p53-Mutant Mice with Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Pancreatic Cancer-When Does Cachexia Start?

Skeletal muscle wasting critically impairs the survival and quality of life in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). To identify the local factors initiating muscle wasting, we studied inflammation, fiber cross-sectional area (CSA), composition, amino acid metabolism and capillarization, as well as the integrity of neuromuscular junctions (NMJ, pre-/postsynaptic co-staining) and mitochondria (electron microscopy) in the hindlimb muscle of LSL-KrasG12D/+; LSL-TrP53R172H/+; Pdx1-Cre mice with intraepithelial-neoplasia (PanIN) 1-3 and PDAC, compared to wild-type mice (WT). Significant decreases in fiber CSA occurred with PDAC but not with PanIN 1-3, compared to WT: These were found in the gastrocnemius (type 2x: −20.0%) and soleus (type 2a: −21.0%, type 1: −14.2%) muscle with accentuation in the male soleus (type 2a: −24.8%, type 1: −17.4%) and female gastrocnemius muscle (−29.6%). Significantly higher densities of endomysial CD68+ and cyclooxygenase-2+ (COX2+) cells were detected in mice with PDAC, compared to WT mice. Surprisingly, CD68+ and COX2+ cell densities were also higher in mice with PanIN 1-3 in both muscles. Significant positive correlations existed between muscular and hepatic CD68+ or COX2+ cell densities. Moreover, in the gastrocnemius muscle, suppressor-of-cytokine-3 (SOCS3) expressions was upregulated >2.7-fold with PanIN 1A-3 and PDAC. The intracellular pools of proteinogenic amino acids and glutathione significantly increased with PanIN 1A-3 compared to WT. Capillarization, NMJ, and mitochondrial ultrastructure remained unchanged with PanIN or PDAC. In conclusion, the onset of fiber atrophy coincides with the manifestation of PDAC and high-grade local (and hepatic) inflammatory infiltration without compromised microcirculation, innervation or mitochondria. Surprisingly, muscular and hepatic inflammation, SOCS3 upregulation and (proteolytic) increases in free amino acids and glutathione were already detectable in mice with precancerous PanINs. Studies of initial local triggers and defense mechanisms regarding cachexia are warranted for targeted anti-inflammatory prevention.

Systemin modulates defense responses in roots of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) during the pre-colonization stage of the mycorrhizal symbiosis

Aim of study: The symbiotic association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhances the uptake of soil minerals by the plant, predominantly phosphorus, in return for plant photosynthates. This study was performed to support the premise that the suppression of root defense responses during the pre-colonization stage is required for the subsequent colonization of tomato roots by AMF. Area of study: This study was performed in the Plant Defense Laboratory of Cinvestav, at Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. Material and methods: Systemin (SYS) was added, together with spore suspensions of three different AMF species, to young tomato plantlets. The roots were subsequently sampled, 0.5 to 12 h post-application, in order to quantify degree of mycorrhizal colonization, in vitro β-glucanase (GLN) and chitinase (CHI) enzyme activity and wound-responsive gene expression levels. Main results: The sole application of exogenous SYS induced the rapid expression of a battery of early wound-responsive genes, together with a swift and transient activation of CHI, but not GLN. However, when added together with AMF spores, SYS differentially modulated the activity of these enzymes in an AMF species-dependent manner. Modified lytic activity was preceded or accompanied by the rapid and sustained induction of the RbohD, LOXD and PLA2 genes shortly after contact with AMF spores. Research highlights: The findings of this study suggest a role for oxylipins and reactive oxygen species in the initial AMF recognition process. They also indicate that exogenous SYS is perceived by the roots, where it modulates the local root defense response to facilitate AMF colonization.

TOR signalling is required for host lipid metabolic remodelling and survival following enteric infection in Drosophila.

ABSTRACTWhen infected by enteric pathogenic bacteria, animals need to initiate local and whole-body defence strategies. Although most attention has focused on the role of innate immune anti-bacterial responses, less is known about how changes in host metabolism contribute to host defence. Using Drosophila as a model system, we identify induction of intestinal target-of-rapamycin (TOR) kinase signalling as a key adaptive metabolic response to enteric infection. We find that enteric infection induces both local and systemic induction of TOR independently of the Immune deficiency (IMD) innate immune pathway, and we see that TOR functions together with IMD signalling to promote infection survival. These protective effects of TOR signalling are associated with remodelling of host lipid metabolism. Thus, we see that TOR is required to limit excessive infection-mediated wasting of host lipid stores by promoting an increase in the levels of gut- and fat body-expressed lipid synthesis genes. Our data support a model in which induction of TOR represents a host tolerance response to counteract infection-mediated lipid wasting in order to promote survival. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

CD4 Tcells are rapidly depleted from tuberculosis granulomas following acute SIV co-infection.

HIV/Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) co-infected individuals have an increased risk of tuberculosis prior to loss of peripheral CD4 Tcells, raising the possibility that HIV co-infection leads to CD4 Tcell depletion in lung tissue before it is evident in blood. Here, we use rhesus macaques to study the early effects of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) co-infection on pulmonary granulomas. Two weeks after SIV inoculation of Mtb-infected macaques, Mtb-specific CD4 Tcells are dramatically depleted from granulomas, before CD4 Tcell loss in blood, airways, and lymph nodes, or increases in bacterial loads or radiographic evidence of disease. Spatially, CD4 Tcells are preferentially depleted from the granuloma core and cuff relative to B cell-rich regions. Moreover, live imaging of granuloma explants show that intralesional CD4 Tcell motility is reduced after SIV co-infection. Thus, granuloma CD4 Tcells may be decimated before many co-infected individuals experience the first symptoms of acute HIV infection.

ROLE OF DEFENSE DIPLOMACY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDONESIAN DEFENSE INDUSTRY

Indonesia's defense policy in the form of a Minimum Essential Force (MEF) can produce a policy on the development of Indonesia's defense posture until 2024. To date, efforts to meet the needs of Defense and Security Equipment Tools (Alpalhankam) are still trying to fulfill MEF needs until now one hundred percent. The fulfillment of the need for Defense and Security continues through procurement from foreign and local defense industries. The establishment of the KKIP in 2010 and the issuance of Law Number 12 of 2012 have legitimized the government's support in efforts to develop the national defense industry. With the government's policy related to the defense industry, it will encourage the ability of the local defense industry to realize independence which carries out by defense diplomacy. The problem to be investigated is the government's role of defense diplomacy to support the development of the Indonesian defense industry. The research was carried out with a qualitative descriptive method with data collection techniques through snowball sampling and literature study. The study results show that defense diplomacy carried out by the current government, especially the Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, can encourage defense cooperation that can support the development of the Indonesian defense industry while still prioritizing the principle of being accessible active, and non-alliance. Furthermore, the defense diplomacy strategy needs to be developed more broadly by offering a broader and more profitable defense industry cooperation schemeKeywords: defense diplomacy, transfer of knowledge, defense industry

Rhizosphere Signaling: Insights into Plant-Rhizomicrobiome Interactions for Sustainable Agronomy.

Rhizospheric plant–microbe interactions have dynamic importance in sustainable agriculture systems that have a reduced reliance on agrochemicals. Rhizosphere signaling focuses on the interactions between plants and the surrounding symbiotic microorganisms that facilitate the development of rhizobiome diversity, which is beneficial for plant productivity. Plant–microbe communication comprises intricate systems that modulate local and systemic defense mechanisms to mitigate environmental stresses. This review deciphers insights into how the exudation of plant secondary metabolites can shape the functions and diversity of the root microbiome. It also elaborates on how rhizosphere interactions influence plant growth, regulate plant immunity against phytopathogens, and prime the plant for protection against biotic and abiotic stresses, along with some recent well-reported examples. A holistic understanding of these interactions can help in the development of tailored microbial inoculants for enhanced plant growth and targeted disease suppression.

Emerging Roles of β-Glucanases in Plant Development and Adaptative Responses

Plant β-glucanases are enzymes involved in the synthesis, remodelling and turnover of cell wall components during multiple physiological processes. Based on the type of the glycoside bond they cleave, plant β-glucanases have been grouped into three categories: (i) β-1,4-glucanases degrade cellulose and other polysaccharides containing 1,4-glycosidic bonds to remodel and disassemble the wall during cell growth. (ii) β-1,3-glucanases are responsible for the mobilization of callose, governing the symplastic trafficking through plasmodesmata. (iii) β-1,3-1,4-glucanases degrade mixed linkage glucan, a transient wall polysaccharide found in cereals, which is broken down to obtain energy during rapid seedling growth. In addition to their roles in the turnover of self-glucan structures, plant β-glucanases are crucial in regulating the outcome in symbiotic and hostile plant–microbe interactions by degrading non-self glucan structures. Plants use these enzymes to hydrolyse β-glucans found in the walls of microbes, not only by contributing to a local antimicrobial defence barrier, but also by generating signalling glucans triggering the activation of global responses. As a counterpart, microbes developed strategies to hijack plant β-glucanases to their advantage to successfully colonize plant tissues. This review outlines our current understanding on plant β-glucanases, with a particular focus on the latest advances on their roles in adaptative responses.

CFTR Modulator Therapies: Potential Impact on Airway Infections in Cystic Fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding for the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein, expressed on the apical surface of epithelial cells. CFTR absence/dysfunction results in ion imbalance and airway surface dehydration that severely compromise the CF airway microenvironment, increasing infection susceptibility. Recently, novel therapies aimed at correcting the basic CFTR defect have become available, leading to substantial clinical improvement of CF patients. The restoration or increase of CFTR function affects the airway microenvironment, improving local defence mechanisms. CFTR modulator drugs might therefore affect the development of chronic airway infections and/or improve the status of existing infections in CF. Thus far, however, the full extent of these effects of CFTR-modulators, especially in the long-term remains still unknown. This review aims to provide an overview of current evidence on the potential impact of CFTR modulators on airway infections in CF. Their role in affecting CF microbiology, the susceptibility to infections as well as the potential efficacy of their use in preventing/decreasing the development of chronic lung infections and the recurrent acute exacerbations in CF will be critically analysed.

The role of photosynthetic activity in the regulation of flg22-induced local and systemic defence reaction in tomato

Flagellin (flg22) induces rapid and long-lasting defence responses. It may also affect the photosynthetic activity depending on several internal and external factors, such as the phytohormone ethylene or the day/night time. Based on the results, flg22 treatment, neither in the light phase nor in the evening, caused any significant change in chlorophyll fluorescence induction parameters in the leaves of wild-type and ethylene-receptor mutant Never ripe tomato plants measured the next morning. However, flg22 in the light phase decreased the effective quantum yield and the photochemical quenching both locally and systemically in guard cells. In parallel, the production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide increased, which contributed to the stomatal closure and a decrease in CO2 assimilation the next day. A decrease in sugar content and elevated hexokinase activity measured after flg22 exposure can also contribute to local defence responses in intact tomato plants.

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF NEW COMPOSITION WITH A DIMETHYLACETAMIDE DERIVATIVE IN INFRAORBITAL ANESTHESIA IN RATS WITH PERIODONTITIS

The safety and local anesthetic activity of the pharmaceutical composition LHT-15-13 containing a dimethylacetamide derivative, an antioxidant and a vasoconstrictor in rats with chronic periodontitis was studied in the work. White laboratory mice were used to determine acute toxicity with intravenous and subcutaneous administration of a 2% aqueous solution of LHT-15-32. In rats with experimental periodontitis, the threshold of pain sensitivity of the second upper molar was determined. The activity of oxidative stress and total antioxidant activity was determined in the mucous membrane of the gums of rats by the method of induced chemiluminescence. Local changes in periodontal tissues were assessed by quantitative enzyme immunoassay. The acute toxicity of the pharmaceutical composition when administered intravenously and subcutaneously was lower than that of the dimethylacetamide derivative with succinic acid LHT-600. LHT-15-13, when administered infraorbitally, caused deep anesthesia that lasted more than 70 minutes, activated the local antioxidant defense system and reduced the level of IL-1β in the gum tissue, caused tissue repair around the impacted upper molar in rats five days after injection. Thus, the pharmaceutical composition can be considered as an effective and safe agent for pain relief of the upper molars in periodontitis.

The Fungal Endophyte Penicillium olsonii ML37 Reduces Fusarium Head Blight by Local Induced Resistance in Wheat Spikes

The fungal endophyte Penicillium olsonii ML37 is a biocontrol agent of Fusarium head blight in wheat (caused by Fusarium graminearum), which has shown a limited direct inhibition of fungal growth in vitro. We used RNA-seq and LC-MS/MS analyses to elucidate metabolic interactions of the three-way system Penicillium–wheat–Fusarium in greenhouse experiments. We demonstrated that P. olsonii ML37 colonises wheat spikes and transiently activates plant defence mechanisms, as pretreated spikes show a faster and stronger expression of the defence metabolism during the first 24 h after pathogen inoculation. This effect was transient and the expression of the same genes was lower in the pathogen-infected spikes than in those infected by P. olsonii alone. This response to the endophyte includes the transcriptional activation of several WRKY transcription factors. This early activation is associated with a reduction in FHB symptoms and significantly lower levels of the F. graminearum metabolites 15-acetyl-DON and culmorin. An increase in the Penicillium-associated metabolite asperphanamate confirms colonisation by the endophyte. Our results suggest that the mode of action used by P. olsonii ML37 is via a local defence activation in wheat spikes, and that this fungus has potential as a novel biological alternative in wheat disease control.

Стан мікрофлори та ступінь вираженості місцевого імунного захисту в ендометрії жінок з безпліддям, що розвивається на тлі хронічного ендометриту поєднаного з бактеріальним вагінозом

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the taxonomic profile of the microbiota and the state of local immunity in the endometrium of women with infertility under conditions of chronic endometritis combined with bacterial vaginosis. Materials and methods. Diagnosis of chronic form of endometritis was performed on clinical symptoms, medical history, scraping, endoscopic and ultrasound examinations. All women were divided into three groups: Group I – 12 healthy women, who had no signs of chronic endometritis and formed a control group; Group II – patients with severe chronic endometritis (n = 16); Group III – patients with chronic endometritis developed on the background of bacterial vaginosis (n = 12). Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis in patients was performed by detecting an increase in the pH of vaginal secretions >4.5, the presence of homogeneous vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, detection of vaginal epitheliocytes with adherent gram-variable microorganisms, detection of "fishy" odor. The study was performed in the second phase of the menstrual cycle (day 18-23). Endometrial aspirate for the study of microflora was selected using a device for obtaining endometrial cytology Endobrash Standard for Endometrial Cytology. Results and discussion. It was found that the development of chronic endometritis on the background of bacterial vaginosis increases the frequency of detection of opportunistic anaerobic microflora in the endometrium compared to women without bacterial vaginosis. It has been shown that a decrease in the level of T-helpers and an increase in the level of T-suppressors / killers in the endometrium are exacerbated in patients with chronic endometritis developed against the background of bacterial vaginosis. Thus, the level of CD4 + cells decreased by 1.6 times, and the level of CD8 + cells increased by 1.9 times compared to healthy women. Against this background, the level of B-lymphocytes and IgA in the endometrium of women with chronic endometritis and bacterial vaginosis decreased. Conclusion. The development of chronic endometritis is associated with an increase in the frequency of detection and quantitative content in the endometrium of Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. The development of bacterial vaginosis is accompanied by the detection in the endometrium of new species of microorganisms – Prevotella spp., Mobiluncus spp. The imbalance of the endometrial microflora is accompanied by significant violations of local cellular and humoral immune defense, which is expressed by a decrease in the level of T-helpers, B-lymphocytes and IgA with a simultaneous increase in T-suppressors / killers in women with chronic endometritis. The established changes amplify at a bacterial vaginosis

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Placental Explants by Trypanosoma cruzi Reveals a microRNA Profile Similar to That Seen in Trophoblast Differentiation.

Congenital Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is responsible for 22.5% of new cases each year. However, placental transmission occurs in only 5% of infected mothers and it has been proposed that the epithelial turnover of the trophoblast can be considered a local placental defense against the parasite. Thus, Trypanosoma cruzi induces cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptotic cell death in the trophoblast, which are regulated, among other mechanisms, by small non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs. On the other hand, ex vivo infection of human placental explants induces a specific microRNA profile that includes microRNAs related to trophoblast differentiation such as miR-512-3p miR-515-5p, codified at the chromosome 19 microRNA cluster. Here we determined the expression validated target genes of miR-512-3p and miR-515-5p, specifically human glial cells missing 1 transcription factor and cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein, as well as the expression of the main trophoblast differentiation marker human chorionic gonadotrophin during ex vivo infection of human placental explants, and examined how the inhibition or overexpression of both microRNAs affects parasite infection. We conclude that Trypanosoma cruzi-induced trophoblast epithelial turnover, particularly trophoblast differentiation, is at least partially mediated by placenta-specific miR-512-3p and miR-515-5p and that both miRNAs mediate placental susceptibility to ex vivo infection of human placental explants. Knowledge about the role of parasite-modulated microRNAs in the placenta might enable their use as biomarkers, as prognostic and therapeutic tools for congenital Chagas disease in the future.

Ageing societies and the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic – Statements of the European Geriatric Medicine Society and measures of the Hungarian Government concerning older people

Abstract Purpose Ageing of the societies is a demographic phenomenon in the developed world. SARS-CoV-2 is a novel human coronavirus responsible for a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). World Health Organization (WHO) data demonstrated that the first two waves of the pandemic had the most severe impact on older people and that is why new guidelines and protocols were necessary in geriatric medicine to protect senior citizens. Materials and methods In our publication, we summarise the three statements of EuGMS concerning the first and second waves of COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. Besides following the European recommendations, a proper local response was necessary in each country. Results The Hungarian Government has successfully completed the necessary measures during the first two waves, which are summarised in our publication. Those measures took into consideration not only the international guidelines, but the capacities of the healthcare system, as well as the sociodemographic and economic characteristics of the country. Conclusions Successful local defence against COVID-19 required adequate and optimised interpretation of the international guidelines to save the life of thousands of older adults in Hungary.