[Age-related decline of immune function and age-related diseases].
Effects of aging on immune system are widespread. The development of T and B cells declines with age. The functions of matured T and B cell also decline with age. Consequently, infections present major clinical problems for elderly patients. Many of age-related diseases are related to innate immunity. For example, the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer disease are related to macrophages (microglia). The Ox-LDL or A-beta induces macrophages or microglia to produce inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteinases. Recently neutrophils have been shown to be an important immune cells in atherosclerosis. Neutrophils secrete inflammatory cytokines. In wound healing neutrophils also work as first important immune cells, which affect age-related decline of wound repair.
Isobe
Ken-ichi
K
Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine.
Nishio
Naomi
N
Ito
Sachiko
S
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology*; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000276:immunology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000502:physiology; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000276:immunology