Advancing age and immune cell dysfunction: is it reversible or not?

Abstract

Background: Decline in immune function with advancing age is a hallmark of aging. As a result, infectious diseases cause more morbidity and mortality to the elderly. These age-related changes significantly alter the functionality of both innate and adaptive immune components. Objectives: Although age-associated dysfunction of the immune system is well reported, not much is known about the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that progressively bring about functional changes in immune cell types. Methods: This review focuses on our current understanding of age-associated changes in innate and adaptive immune cell types and how this knowledge could be used to improve the immune competence of elderly individuals. Results/conclusion: Therapeutic approaches to rejuvenate the exhausted immune system in the elderly need more attention.