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Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
Published on: July 6, 2013
Cytomegalovirus and human immunosenescence
Graham Pawelec1, Evelyna Derhovanessian, Anis Larbi
1Center for Medical Research, University of Tübingen Medical School, Tübingen, Germany. graham.pawelec@uni-tuebingen.de
Reviews in Medical Virology
|November 28, 2008
Summary
Age-associated immune decline, or immunosenescence, is poorly understood. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection significantly contributes to an
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Immunology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- The term 'immunosenescence' describes age-related immune system changes, but its precise impact on health and mortality in the elderly is unclear.
- Anecdotal evidence suggests declining immunity increases infectious disease risk in older adults, yet robust data on mortality causes and immune system contributions are lacking.
- Cross-sectional studies reveal numerous immune parameter differences between young and old individuals, but these may be confounded by differing life experiences and pathogen exposures, including Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the concept of immunosenescence and its association with age-related health outcomes.
- To investigate the role of specific immune parameters and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in predicting mortality in the elderly.
- To discuss the limitations of cross-sectional studies and the utility of longitudinal approaches in aging research.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on immunosenescence, age-associated immune changes, and mortality in the elderly.
- Analysis of data from cross-sectional studies comparing immune profiles of different age groups.
- Examination of findings from longitudinal studies, such as the Swedish OCTO/NONA studies, assessing immune parameters and mortality prediction.
Main Results:
- Cross-sectional studies show significant differences in immune cell distribution and function between age groups, with adaptive immunity, particularly T lymphocytes, appearing more affected.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection markedly influences many immune parameters, distinguishing it from other herpesvirus infections.
- Longitudinal studies identified specific immune parameters that predict mortality, with CMV infection being a significant component of this 'immune risk profile' (IRP).
Conclusions:
- The concept of immunosenescence requires more precise definition and empirical validation.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection plays a substantial role in shaping the immune system's aging trajectory and contributes to mortality risk.
- The 'immune risk profile' (IRP) shows promise for predicting mortality, but further research is needed to understand its applicability in younger populations and the underlying mechanisms of CMV's impact.
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