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Updated: Aug 25, 2025
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Induction and Validation of Cellular Senescence in Primary Human Cells
Published on: June 20, 2018
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Cellular Senescence in Immunity against Infections
Veronica Marrella1,2, Amanda Facoetti3, Barbara Cassani2,4
1UOS Milan Unit, Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), CNR, 20138 Milan, Italy.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|October 14, 2022
Summary
Cellular senescence, an aging process, impairs immune function and increases infection risk in the elderly. Therapies targeting senescent immune cells may improve immunity and reduce age-related infection susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cellular senescence involves irreversible cell cycle arrest and an inflammatory secretome.
- Senescence affects most tissues with age, including lymphoid tissue, leading to immune dysregulation.
- Persistent infections can accelerate immune cell senescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how immune senescence impacts infection resolution in the elderly.
- To detail markers for identifying senescent immune cells.
- To examine mechanisms by which infections exacerbate immune senescence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cellular senescence and immune function.
- Analysis of mechanisms linking infection and immune senescence.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies for senescent immune cells.
Main Results:
- Immune senescence contributes to chronic inflammation and impaired immune responses in aging.
- Infectious agents can accelerate immune cell senescence.
- Therapeutic interventions targeting senescence show potential for improving age-related immune dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Immune senescence is a critical factor in age-dependent susceptibility to infections.
- Targeting senescent immune cells offers a promising therapeutic avenue.
- Further research is needed to develop effective senescence-targeting therapies for infectious diseases in the elderly.
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