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Techniques to Induce and Quantify Cellular Senescence
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Targeting Aging: Lessons Learned From Immunometabolism and Cellular Senescence.
Dominique E Martin1, Blake L Torrance1, Laura Haynes1
1Center on Aging and Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States.
Frontiers in Immunology
|August 9, 2021
Summary
Aging impairs immune cell metabolism, particularly in T cells. Understanding these changes and exploring interventions like mTOR modulators and senolytics offers potential for immune system rejuvenation in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Metabolism
- Aging Research
Background:
- Aging is linked to systemic and cellular metabolic dysregulation, including mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Cellular metabolism in immune cells (immunometabolism) critically influences immune cell function.
- T cell activation, differentiation, and function are metabolically dependent, favoring glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of aging on immunometabolism, focusing on T cells.
- To explore how chronological age and age-associated conditions affect immune cell metabolism.
- To discuss potential interventions targeting immunometabolism in aging.
Main Methods:
- Mini-review of existing literature on immunometabolism, T cells, and aging.
- Examination of age-related changes in metabolic pathways within immune cells.
- Analysis of interventions such as mTOR modulators and senolytics.
Main Results:
- Aging significantly impacts the metabolic networks controlling immune cell function.
- T cell metabolism is altered with age, affecting immune responses.
- Senescent cell accumulation is a factor in age-related immunometabolic changes.
Conclusions:
- Immunometabolism is a key area affected by aging.
- Interventions targeting immunometabolism show promise for mitigating age-related immune decline.
- Targeting immunometabolism offers a novel strategy for immunomodulation in aging populations.
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