Host Resistance and Immune Aging

Clin Geriatr Med. 2016 Aug;32(3):415-32. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2016.02.007. Epub 2016 May 25.

Abstract

Human immune system aging results in impaired responses to pathogens or vaccines. In the innate immune system, which mediates the earliest pro-inflammatory responses to immunologic challenge, processes ranging from Toll-like Receptor function to Neutrophil Extracellular Trap formation are generally diminished in older adults. Dysregulated, enhanced basal inflammation with age reflecting activation by endogenous damage-associated ligands contributes to impaired innate immune responses. In the adaptive immune system, T and B cell subsets and function alter with age. The control of cytomegalovirus infection, particularly in the T lineage, plays a dominant role in the differentiation and diversity of the T cell compartment.

Keywords: Aging; B cell; Immunosenescence; Inflammation; Innate immunity; T cell.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aging / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular*
  • Immunity, Innate / immunology*