Immunosenescence: immune deficits in the elderly and therapeutic strategies to enhance immune competence.
It is widely recognized that aging is clinically associated with increases in the frequency and severity of infectious diseases, and increased incidences of cancer, chronic inflammatory disorders and autoimmunity. These age-associated immune dysfunctions are the consequence of declines in both the generation of new naive T- and B-lymphocytes and in the functional competence of memory populations. These alterations are collectively termed immunosenescence. Recent advances in our understanding of lymphopoiesis and immune regulation have provided insights into the mechanisms of these age-associated changes. Furthermore, these advances have suggested a variety of new therapeutic approaches that may enhance immune competence in the elderly and other immune-deficient states.
Hakim
Frances T
FT
National Institutes of Health, Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. fhakim@helix.nih.gov
Gress
Ronald E
RE