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Autoimmunity in the Elderly: Insights from Basic Science and Clinics - A Mini-Review
Abdulla Watad1, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi, Mohammad Adawi
1Department of Medicine 'B,' Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
Gerontology
|August 3, 2017
Summary
Aging leads to immune system changes, known as immunosenescence, causing reduced responses and increased inflammation. While autoimmunity rises in older adults, autoimmune diseases present uniquely and require further molecular investigation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedicine
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Biomedical advances have increased life expectancy, leading to a larger elderly population.
- Aging significantly alters the immune system, a process called immunosenescence.
- Immunosenescence involves reduced immune response, increased inflammation (inflammaging), and autoantibody production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of aging on the immune system and autoimmunity.
- To discuss the presentation and management of autoimmune diseases in the elderly.
- To highlight the need for further research into the molecular mechanisms of age-related immune changes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of aging, immunosenescence, and autoimmune diseases.
- Analysis of age-specific onset and presentation of autoimmune conditions.
- Synthesis of current understanding of immune dysregulation in older adults.
Main Results:
- Immunosenescence is characterized by decreased immune function, increased "inflammaging," and autoantibody generation.
- Autoimmunity increases with age, but autoimmune diseases manifest differently in the elderly, often with milder or atypical symptoms.
- Certain autoimmune diseases like giant cell arteritis and primary biliary cirrhosis are more common in older adults.
Conclusions:
- Autoimmune disorders in the elderly present unique challenges due to atypical symptoms.
- While generally milder, these conditions require proper therapeutic management.
- Further research is essential to understand the molecular basis of age-induced immune alterations.
