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Immunosenescence: emerging challenges for an ageing population
Author(s) -
Aw Danielle,
Silva Alberto B.,
Palmer Donald B.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.297
H-Index - 133
eISSN - 1365-2567
pISSN - 0019-2805
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2007.02555.x
Subject(s) - immunosenescence , life expectancy , biology , immune system , immunology , vaccination , acquired immune system , population , gerontology , medicine , environmental health
Summary It is now becoming apparent that the immune system undergoes age‐associated alterations, which accumulate to produce a progressive deterioration in the ability to respond to infections and to develop immunity after vaccination, both of which are associated with a higher mortality rate in the elderly. Immunosenescence, defined as the changes in the immune system associated with age, has been gathering interest in the scientific and health‐care sectors alike. The rise in its recognition is both pertinent and timely given the increasing average age and the corresponding failure to increase healthy life expectancy. This review attempts to highlight the age‐dependent defects in the innate and adaptive immune systems. While discussing the mechanisms that contribute to immunosenescence, with emphasis on the extrinsic factors, particular attention will be focused on thymic involution. Finally, we illuminate potential therapies that could be employed to help us live a longer, fuller and healthier life.