[Aging of the immune system]

The immune system theory of aging is that the rate of aging is largely controlled by the immune system. As we age, the numbers of critical cells in the immune system decrease and become less functional. Accumulating data are documenting an inverse relationship between immune status, response to health, and longevity, suggesting that the immune system becomes less effective with advancing age and that this is clinically relevant. The mechanisms and consequences of age-associated immune alterations are briefly reviewed here.