Reversing and restoring immune functions.

Restoration of immunological functions is keenly needed for the improvement of quality of life of the elderly as the elderly population is rapidly increasing throughout the world. A brief review was made on the methods to restore or reverse immunological functions in the aged human and animals, including those presented in the Mini-Symposium at the 1st International Conference on Immunology and Aging. The methods discussed were (1) grafting of cells and tissues, (2) dietary manipulation, (3) free radical scavengers or anti-oxidants, (4) thymic peptides, (5) endocrine manipulation and (6) physical exercise. There is no easy and simple method for immunological restoration, as people are variable in terms of genetics, habit and culture. We need comprehensive study to test the effect of combination of a few or several methods for immunological restoration.