Immunosenescence: How An Aging Immune System Affects Our Health

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The immune system protects us against germs and cell changes that can cause diseases. However, with aging, it undergoes a gradual process of deterioration, called immunosenescence.

Various mechanisms may be involved in immunosenescence, such as:

• An imbalance between immune cells encountering a germ for the first time and immune cells with memory of a previous germ encounter.
• Age-associated changes in metabolism (chemical reactions occurring in the body).
• Age-related shrinkage of the thymus, which is an important immune organ.
• Development of low-grade, sterile inflammation, known as inflammation.

Immunosenescence has been associated with health risks. For example, with aging:

• Susceptibility to infections may increase, as the immune system’s response may be delayed and less effective.
• Wound healing may slow down.
• The efficacy of vaccines may be reduced.

However, immunosenescence is a complex process, and both its role and underlying mechanisms have not been fully clarified.

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