10 January 2018 | Tamas Fulop*, Anis Larbi, Gilles Dupuis, Aurélie Le Page, Eric H. Frost, Alan A. Cohen, Jacek M. Witkowski and Claudio Franceschi
Immunosenescence and Inflamm-Aging: Friends or Foes?
Immunosenescence and inflamm-aging are two sides of the same coin, representing the dynamic changes in the immune system with aging. While immunosenescence refers to the decline in immune function, inflamm-aging is the chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with aging. These two phenomena are closely linked and are considered to be at the origin of many age-related diseases, including infections, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory diseases. However, recent research suggests that these changes may not be solely detrimental but could also be adaptive or remodeling processes that contribute to longevity and healthspan.
The immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that plays a crucial role in maintaining health. With aging, the immune system undergoes various changes, including the decline in the number of naive T cells and the increase in memory T cells. These changes are influenced by factors such as chronic antigenic stimulation, thymic involution, and the accumulation of senescent cells. The innate immune system, which is the first line of defense against pathogens, also undergoes changes with aging, including the development of trained innate immune memory, which allows for a faster and more effective response to pathogens.
The adaptive immune system, which includes T cells and B cells, also undergoes changes with aging. These changes include the loss of immune diversity and the increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, some of these changes may be beneficial, as they can help the body to better respond to pathogens and maintain homeostasis. The balance between immunosenescence and inflamm-aging is crucial for maintaining health and longevity. While excessive inflammation can be harmful, a certain level of chronic inflammation may be necessary for the body to function properly.
Recent studies suggest that the immune system may be more adaptable with aging, and that the changes associated with immunosenescence and inflamm-aging may not be solely detrimental. Instead, these changes may be part of a dynamic process that allows the body to better respond to challenges and maintain health. The role of the immune system in aging is complex, and understanding the interplay between immunosenescence and inflamm-aging is essential for developing strategies to improve health and longevity in the elderly.Immunosenescence and Inflamm-Aging: Friends or Foes?
Immunosenescence and inflamm-aging are two sides of the same coin, representing the dynamic changes in the immune system with aging. While immunosenescence refers to the decline in immune function, inflamm-aging is the chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with aging. These two phenomena are closely linked and are considered to be at the origin of many age-related diseases, including infections, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory diseases. However, recent research suggests that these changes may not be solely detrimental but could also be adaptive or remodeling processes that contribute to longevity and healthspan.
The immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that plays a crucial role in maintaining health. With aging, the immune system undergoes various changes, including the decline in the number of naive T cells and the increase in memory T cells. These changes are influenced by factors such as chronic antigenic stimulation, thymic involution, and the accumulation of senescent cells. The innate immune system, which is the first line of defense against pathogens, also undergoes changes with aging, including the development of trained innate immune memory, which allows for a faster and more effective response to pathogens.
The adaptive immune system, which includes T cells and B cells, also undergoes changes with aging. These changes include the loss of immune diversity and the increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, some of these changes may be beneficial, as they can help the body to better respond to pathogens and maintain homeostasis. The balance between immunosenescence and inflamm-aging is crucial for maintaining health and longevity. While excessive inflammation can be harmful, a certain level of chronic inflammation may be necessary for the body to function properly.
Recent studies suggest that the immune system may be more adaptable with aging, and that the changes associated with immunosenescence and inflamm-aging may not be solely detrimental. Instead, these changes may be part of a dynamic process that allows the body to better respond to challenges and maintain health. The role of the immune system in aging is complex, and understanding the interplay between immunosenescence and inflamm-aging is essential for developing strategies to improve health and longevity in the elderly.