Respiratory tract immunity in the aged.
In the elderly, respiratory infections are frequent and constitute the leading cause of death. Presumably this is the consequence of reduced local immunity in the respiratory tract. The present knowledge based on investigations in man and laboratory animals, including results of own research, is reviewed. Further research is needed to give a definite answer and to improve immunoprophylaxis in the elderly.
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000917:Antibody Formation; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007121:Immunocompetence; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000378:metabolism; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000276:immunology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000276:immunology*
D007136:Immunoglobulins