European Cytokine Network
MENUWhen wrinkles appear on the immune system can it be reversed? Volume 31, issue 1, March 2020
- Key words: immunosenescence, adaptive immunity, innate immunity, rejuvenation
- DOI : 10.1684/ecn.2020.0441
- Page(s) : 1-17
- Published in: 2020
During aging, physiological and physical frailty occur, which is accompanied by a decline in adaptive and innate immunity, termed ‘immunosenescence’ characterized by marked changes in the composition, function, and competence of the human immune system. Moreover, the capabilities of the immune system to defend the human body against infections, to detect and destruct malignant or autoreactive cells decline, resulting in an increase in the susceptibility to infection, development of cancer, as well as autoimmune disorders. The study of age-related changes in immune function is an important area of investigation. In this review, the function of the immune system during aging, as well as the different ways to rejuvenate the aging immune system, is explored, as medical intervention, balanced nutrition, and a healthy life style will be discussed.