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Related Concept Videos

The Effect of Aging on Tissues01:19

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer01:19

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
Aging01:26

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in 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...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Co-Culture In Vitro Systems to Reproduce the Cancer-Immunity Cycle
12:19

Co-Culture In Vitro Systems to Reproduce the Cancer-Immunity Cycle

Published on: June 7, 2024

Immunity, ageing and cancer.

Evelyna Derhovanessian1, Rafael Solana, Anis Larbi

  • 1University of Tübingen Center for Medical Research, Tübingen, Germany. evelyna.derhovanessian@klinikum.uni-tuebingen.de

Immunity & Ageing : I & A
|September 26, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Aging weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and potentially cancer. Understanding immunosenescence is key to developing interventions for healthy longevity and cancer prevention.

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Last Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Co-Culture In Vitro Systems to Reproduce the Cancer-Immunity Cycle
12:19

Co-Culture In Vitro Systems to Reproduce the Cancer-Immunity Cycle

Published on: June 7, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Gerontology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Immune system decline with age (immunosenescence) impairs infectious disease control and vaccine response in the elderly.
  • The link between immunosenescence and increased cancer incidence in older adults is debated but plausible due to compromised immunosurveillance.
  • Factors like lifelong pathogen exposure influence the onset of clinically significant immunosenescence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the impact of aging on human immune competence, focusing on T-cell-dependent adaptive immunity.
  • To propose that cancer antigen load may accelerate immune exhaustion, similar to pathogen load.
  • To highlight the need for understanding age-related immune changes for developing interventions against cancer and ensuring healthy longevity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on immunosenescence and its impact on adaptive immunity.
  • Conceptual framework proposing additive effects of pathogen and tumor antigen load on immune exhaustion.
  • Emphasis on T-cell-mediated adaptive immunity as a key indicator of age-related immune changes.

Main Results:

  • Adaptive immunity, particularly T-cell function, is highly sensitive to the aging process.
  • Immunosenescence may be accelerated by cumulative exposure to both pathogens and tumor antigens.
  • Dysfunctional immunity in the elderly likely contributes to increased cancer risk through reduced immunosurveillance.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding age-related immune dysregulation is crucial for developing strategies to prevent or restore immune function.
  • Interventions targeting immunosenescence could benefit both the elderly population and cancer patients.
  • Maintaining immune competence is essential for healthy longevity and cancer avoidance.