On the immunological theory of aging
Abstract
Aging is a complex phenomenon the cause of which is not fully understood, despite the plethora of theories proposed to explain it. As we age, changes in essentially all physiological functions, including immunity, are apparent. Immune responses decrease with aging, contributing to the increased incidence of different chronic diseases with an inflammatory component (sometimes referred to as 'inflamm-aging'). It is clear from many studies that human longevity may be influenced by these changes in the immune system, but how they proceed is not clearly determined. In this chapter, we will review the age-related changes in the immune response and assess the validity of the immune theory of aging (i.e. that these changes in immune response are the primary cause of aging). Many data in humans support the notion that age-associated immune dysfunction may at least in part explain the aging process. Explanatory power may be enhanced by combination with other theories such as the free radical theory. More longitudinal studies are needed to corroborate the immune theory of aging.
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Many of the most common chronic diseases associated with ageing, such as atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis and diabetes, are related to low-grade inflammation.
“Many of the most common chronic diseases associated with ageing, such as atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis and diabetes [1], are related to low-grade inflammation [32].”
From Immune function and micronutrient requirements change over the life course (2018) · cites this paper as [32]
Immunosenescence mostly affects adaptive immunity but also the innate immune system to a lesser extent.
“This is commonly referred to as immunosenescence, which mostly seems to affect adaptive immunity but also the innate immune system to a lesser extent [32].”
From Immune function and micronutrient requirements change over the life course (2018) · cites this paper as [32]
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References 33 · Cited by 157
- Authors
- Fulop, T., Witkowski, J. M., Pawelec, G., Alan, C., & Larbi, A.
- Affiliations
- Gdańsk Medical University (PL)
- University of Tübingen (DE)
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (SG)
- Venue
- Interdisciplinary topics in gerontology and geriatrics
- Publisher
- S. Karger AG
- Published
- 2014
- Volume
- 39
- Pages
- 163-176
- ISSN
- 2297-3486 (ISSN-L)
- 2297-3508
- OpenAlex
- W1527586649
- Cited by
- 157
- References
- 33
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 14 · 2018: 16 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 1
- FWCI
- 6.80
- Type
- book chapter
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Interdisciplinary topics in gerontology and geriatrics (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (106634, 106701)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Aging › Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
- Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Immunology › Immune Response and Inflammation
- Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Immunology › Immune responses and vaccinations
- Keywords
- inflammaging, age-related immune dysfunction, immunosenescence, chronic inflammation, free radical theory of aging, human longevity, theories of aging
- MeSH terms
- Aging, Humans, Immunity, Innate, Inflammation, Adaptive Immunity
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