Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Assessing Lysosomal Alkalinization in the Intestine of Live Caenorhabditis elegans
06:18

Assessing Lysosomal Alkalinization in the Intestine of Live Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: April 13, 2018

Phagocyte dysfunction, tissue aging and degeneration

Wei Li1

  • 1Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Neuroscience Program, Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.

Ageing Research Reviews
|June 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Aging impairs phagocyte function, leading to debris accumulation and chronic inflammation. Understanding these changes is key to preventing age-related tissue degeneration and diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells is vital for tissue homeostasis and immune balance.
  • Aging reduces phagocyte function, causing debris buildup, inflammation, and tissue damage.
  • Dysfunctional macrophages, microglia, and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are implicated in aging and diseases like AMD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on phagocyte dysfunction in aged tissues.
  • To explore the role of phagocyte dysfunction in age-related diseases.
  • To identify challenges and future strategies for addressing phagocyte dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on aged phagocytes and tissue aging.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying age-related phagocyte dysfunction.
  • Discussion of therapeutic potentials and research approaches.

Main Results:

  • Aged phagocytes exhibit reduced functional activity.
  • Phagocyte dysfunction contributes to chronic sterile inflammation and tissue aging.
  • Molecular mechanisms of aging-induced phagocyte dysfunction remain incompletely understood.

Conclusions:

  • Phagocyte dysfunction is a significant factor in tissue aging and age-related diseases.
  • Further research into molecular mechanisms is needed to develop therapeutic strategies.
  • Targeting phagocyte dysfunction may offer a way to prevent or delay tissue degeneration.
Keywords:
AgingMacrophageMicrogliaPhagocyte dysfunctionPhagocytosisRetinal pigment epithelium

More Related Videos

A Novel In Vitro Live-imaging Assay of Astrocyte-mediated Phagocytosis Using pH Indicator-conjugated Synaptosomes06:43

A Novel In Vitro Live-imaging Assay of Astrocyte-mediated Phagocytosis Using pH Indicator-conjugated Synaptosomes

Published on: February 5, 2018

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...
Cellular Adaptation I: Introduction and Atrophy01:23

Cellular Adaptation I: Introduction and Atrophy

Cells can adapt to environmental changes to maintain function and avoid injury, a process called cellular adaptation. Adapted cells exist in a reversible intermediate state with changes in size, number, phenotype, metabolism, or function. These responses help cells meet altered physiological or pathological demands; for example, enlargement of breast and uterine tissues during pregnancy. Early adaptations may enhance function, but persistent stress eventually causes tissue damage.Types of...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction01:12

Chronic Inflammation: Introduction

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction01:27

Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction

Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...