Leukocyte function in the aging immune system.
Aging is associated with a progressive dysregulation of immune responses. Whether these changes are solely responsible for the observed increased mortality and morbidity amongst the elderly is uncertain. Recent advances have highlighted the age-associated changes that occur beyond T and B lymphocytes. Additionally, multiple human and animal studies have identified a relationship between chronic low-grade inflammation and geriatric syndromes, such as frailty, suggesting that the phenomenon of "inflamm-aging" may provide a rationale for the increased vulnerability to chronic inflammatory diseases in older adults. In the present review, we broadly summarize our current understanding of age-dependent changes in leukocyte function and their contribution to aging-related disease processes.
Desai
Anjali
A
Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Grolleau-Julius
Annabelle
A
Yung
Raymond
R
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000502:physiology*