Immunosenescence and anti-immunosenescence therapies: the case of probiotics.
Aging is a complex process that negatively impacts the development of the immune system and its ability to function. Progressive changes in the T and B cell systems over the life span have a major impact on the capacity to respond to immune challenge. These cumulative age-associated changes in immune competence are termed immunosenescence. This process is mostly characterized by: (1) shrinkage of the T cell repertoire and accumulation of oligoclonal expansions of memory/effector cells directed toward ubiquitary infectious agents; (2) involution of the thymus and the exhaustion of naive T cells; and (3) chronic inflammatory status. Here we discuss possible strategies to counteract these main aspects of immunosenescence, in particular the role of the normalization of intestinal microflora by probiotics. A better understanding of immunosenescence and the development of new strategies to counteract it are essential for improving the quality of life of the elderly population.
Candore
Giuseppina
G
Gruppo di Studio sull'Immunosenescenza, Dipartimento di Biopatologia e Metodologie Biomediche, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy. gcandore@unipa.it
Balistreri
Carmela Rita
CR
Colonna-Romano
Giuseppina
G
Grimaldi
Maria Paola
MP
Lio
Domenico
D
Listi'
Florinda
F
Scola
Letizia
L
Vasto
Sonya
S
Caruso
Calogero
C
D000375:Aging / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D019936:Probiotics / Q000494:pharmacology*