Aging and Immune System

Abstract

Natural  process of ageing  is considerably determined by deterioration the of immune system, called immune senescence, which in turn is  affected by genetic and environmental factors and lifestyle. Age related modulations of immune system leads in many cases to the development of immunodeficiences and chronic inflammations, which accounts for vaccine inefficiency, development of autoimmune disorders, oncologic and infection pathologies.    

Although certain types of immune cells (NK) could increase in number, overall functional  activity of all types of immune cells  irreversibly decreases with  age. Thymus involution  is one of the main changes that develops in immune system with age, which consequently deepens  the deterioration of all immune processes.  In  particular,  naïve-T  compartment  decreases,  while  memory  T  cell  compartment  gets enhanced.  Besides, considerable  limitation  of  immune responses  are  mainly  caused by restriction  of lymphocyte repertoire (oligoclonality) and appearance of terminal differentiated anergic cells. The extent of  immune  system  deterioration  depends  whether  aging  process  could  be  defined  as  premature, phisiologic or successful.   

  Discovery of immunobiological  markers  of  longevity holds  great clinical importance.  Study of mechanisms of immune senescence and the factors that influence it are immensely valuable in unraveling the secrets of successful aging.