lmmune Senescence

Abstract

Age-dependent immunological alterations are responsible for a large number of diseasesin the elderly. Because the capacity of immune system to recognize and eliminate foreign antigens gradually declines with age. An increase susceptibility to infectious, autoimmune diseases and tumors are typical consequences. Due to a decrease in the efficiency of control and a lack of immunosuppressive elements, imbalanced nonspecifc inflammation and autoreactivity may occur. Chronic inflammatory processes are also of importance in the neurodegenerative process of Alzheimer's disease. Aging is characterized by increased T cell lymphopenia, T cell dysfunction, and increased serum ILI, IL6, IL4, ILI0 and TNF levels. In this article, the cellular and molecular basis of immunologic abnormalities, antioxidant system in ageing is reviewed.In particular, the role of apoptosis in T-cell immune senescence is discussed.