[Results from biomedical aging research. Trends and current examples from immunology]
G Pfister1, D Herndler-Brandstetter, B Grubeck-Loebenstein
1Institut für Biomedizinische Alternsforschung, Osterreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Rennweg 10, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. gerald.pfister@oeaw.ac.at
Abstract:
The public health of our society is challenged by a continuous increase in life expectancy. Hence, biomedical aging research is enjoying a steadily increasing popularity but also enlightens our understanding of age-related diseases by a number of striking results from basic research. One of the most striking changes that occurs during normal human aging is an overall diminution of immune functions, a phenomenon often termed immunosenescence. Starting from some highly exciting examples from basic immunological research, this article sheds light on which impact normal human aging has on several immune defence mechanisms. In addition, clinical consequences in view of Alzheimer's disease, immunogenicity of vaccines and autoimmune diseases are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Mitochondria
Replicative Cell Senescence
Replicative Cell Senescence
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
