title: Effect of age on epidermal immune function.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002452:Cell Count / Q000528:radiation effects; D004817:Epidermis / Q000276:immunology / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000528:radiation effects; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D008222:Lymphokines