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The effect of aging on host defences. Implications for therapy
A Scordamaglia1, G Ciprandi, F Indiveri
1Allergy and Clinical Immunology Centre, DIMI Department of Internal Medicine, Genoa University, Italy.
Drugs & Aging
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Immunosenescence, the aging immune system, affects T cell responsiveness. This review examines how various drugs impact immune function in older adults, offering clinical perspectives for pharmacological interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Immunosenescence describes the natural decline in immune system efficiency with aging.
- T cells are crucial immune markers and drug targets, making their responsiveness a key focus in elderly immune studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of various drugs on T cell responsiveness in the context of immunosenescence.
- To evaluate the clinical implications of these drug-induced immune changes in aged populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on experimental data concerning drug effects on immune responsiveness.
- Analysis of studies examining specific drug classes including steroids, calcium antagonists, and antibiotics.
Main Results:
- The review synthesizes data on how multiple drug classes influence immune responses in the elderly.
- Specific impacts on T lymphocyte function are detailed for various pharmaceuticals.
Conclusions:
- Understanding drug effects on immunosenescence is critical for optimizing treatment in older adults.
- Pharmacological interventions can be tailored based on their impact on the aging immune system.