Effect of age on epidermal immune function.
Like other systems in the body, the immune system deteriorates with age. Age-related changes in epidermal immune function include morphologic and functional changes in Langerhans cells, decreased production and response to epidermal thymocyte-activating factor (ETAF), and altered allergic contact dermatitis. These may be primary age-related changes in epidermal immune function or may be secondary to aging of the organism. In either case, the age-related changes in epidermal immunity may contribute to the increased susceptibility to cutaneous infections and neoplasms with advancing age.
Sauder
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DN
Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000276:immunology; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000276:immunology; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology*
D008222:Lymphokines