Role of Dendritic Cells in Aging

Abstract

Immunesenescence is characterized by a decline in immune functions which is responsible for majority of morbidity and mortality associated with aging. The possible consequences of this progressive aging of the immune system are an increase in autoimmune phenomena, incidence of malignancies and predisposition to infections. Innate immune system is the primary defense against invading pathogens. Moreover, it also initiates and modulates the functions of adaptive immune system. This review focuses on the age-associated changes in the functions of dendritic cells, the major antigen presenting cells of the innate immune system.