Effects of polymorphisms in immunity-related genes on the immune system and successful aging.
Aging is associated with the dysregulation of immune system. Despite a progressive decline in immune function resulting in hyporesponsiveness to infection and vaccination, aging is also characterized by a chronic, low-grade, pro-inflammatory condition. An elderly individual with a systemic inflammation is at an increased risk of age-related diseases. Polymorphisms in the genes coding for inflammatory or anti-inflammatory molecules associated with immune related processes can affect the balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory networks. An improved understanding of the interactions among endogenous and environmental factors and genetic polymorphisms in anti-inflammatory and immune-related genes will increase the possibility of treating major age-related diseases to achieve longevity. The major challenge is to fully understand the complex interactions between genetic variations and multiple factors and their relative contributions to immunosenescence and age-related diseases in various populations. The results of studies that examined polymorphisms in immune-related genes associated with successful aging are reviewed here.
Research Center of Aging and Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
Qingwei
Q
Ruan
State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Feng
F
Qian
Research Center of Aging and Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China. Electronic address: Fdhuadong@163.com.
Zhuowei
Z
Yu
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic