10 January 2018 | Tamas Fulop*, Anis Larbi2, Gilles Dupuis3, Aurélie Le Page1, Eric H. Frost4, Alan A. Cohen5, Jacek M. Witkowski6 and Claudio Franceschi7
The article discusses the concepts of immunosenescence and inflamm-aging, suggesting they are two sides of the same coin in the context of aging. Immunosenescence refers to the decline in immune function with age, while inflamm-aging is the chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with aging. The authors argue that these processes are not purely detrimental but may have adaptive roles in extending longevity. They challenge the traditional view that immunosenescence is solely harmful, proposing instead that it could be an evolutionary adaptation. The article highlights that while immunosenescence leads to a weakened immune response, it might also be necessary for survival. Inflamm-aging, on the other hand, is linked to chronic diseases but could also be a part of a balanced immune response. The review emphasizes the complex interplay between the innate and adaptive immune systems during aging, suggesting that changes in immune function are not uniform and may involve both functional decline and adaptation. The authors propose a new paradigm where immune changes with aging are seen as dynamic and adaptive, rather than purely degenerative. They also discuss the implications of these findings for interventions aimed at improving immune function in the elderly, suggesting that maintaining homeostasis and function might be more effective than attempting to reverse aging. The article concludes that a better understanding of these processes is essential for developing strategies to enhance healthspan and longevity.The article discusses the concepts of immunosenescence and inflamm-aging, suggesting they are two sides of the same coin in the context of aging. Immunosenescence refers to the decline in immune function with age, while inflamm-aging is the chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with aging. The authors argue that these processes are not purely detrimental but may have adaptive roles in extending longevity. They challenge the traditional view that immunosenescence is solely harmful, proposing instead that it could be an evolutionary adaptation. The article highlights that while immunosenescence leads to a weakened immune response, it might also be necessary for survival. Inflamm-aging, on the other hand, is linked to chronic diseases but could also be a part of a balanced immune response. The review emphasizes the complex interplay between the innate and adaptive immune systems during aging, suggesting that changes in immune function are not uniform and may involve both functional decline and adaptation. The authors propose a new paradigm where immune changes with aging are seen as dynamic and adaptive, rather than purely degenerative. They also discuss the implications of these findings for interventions aimed at improving immune function in the elderly, suggesting that maintaining homeostasis and function might be more effective than attempting to reverse aging. The article concludes that a better understanding of these processes is essential for developing strategies to enhance healthspan and longevity.