Susmit Suvas1. 1. Oakland University, Department of Biological Sciences, SEB 305, Rochester, Michigan, USA. suvas@oakland.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Decline in immune function with advancing age is a hallmark of aging. As a result, infectious diseases cause more morbidity and mortality to the elderly. These age-related changes significantly alter the functionality of both innate and adaptive immune components. OBJECTIVES: Although age-associated dysfunction of the immune system is well reported, not much is known about the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that progressively bring about functional changes in immune cell types. METHODS: This review focuses on our current understanding of age-associated changes in innate and adaptive immune cell types and how this knowledge could be used to improve the immune competence of elderly individuals. RESULTS/ CONCLUSION: Therapeutic approaches to rejuvenate the exhausted immune system in the elderly need more attention.
BACKGROUND: Decline in immune function with advancing age is a hallmark of aging. As a result, infectious diseases cause more morbidity and mortality to the elderly. These age-related changes significantly alter the functionality of both innate and adaptive immune components. OBJECTIVES: Although age-associated dysfunction of the immune system is well reported, not much is known about the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that progressively bring about functional changes in immune cell types. METHODS: This review focuses on our current understanding of age-associated changes in innate and adaptive immune cell types and how this knowledge could be used to improve the immune competence of elderly individuals. RESULTS/ CONCLUSION: Therapeutic approaches to rejuvenate the exhausted immune system in the elderly need more attention.
Authors: Vasanthi R Sunil; Kinal J Patel; Gediminas Mainelis; Barbara J Turpin; Sherritta Ridgely; Robert J Laumbach; Howard M Kipen; Yevgen Nazarenko; Manoj Veleeparambil; Andrew J Gow; Jeffrey D Laskin; Debra L Laskin Journal: Toxicol Appl Pharmacol Date: 2009-09-01 Impact factor: 4.219