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Adaptive immunity and atherosclerosis: aging at its crossroads
Roy P M Snijckers1, Amanda C Foks1
1Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Immunology
|April 30, 2024
Summary
Aging impairs adaptive immunity, leading to immunosenescence. This age-related immune dysfunction contributes to atherosclerosis pathogenesis and increases cardiovascular disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
- Aging Biology
Background:
- Adaptive immunity is crucial in atherosclerosis development.
- Immunosenescence, or immune system aging, involves reduced cell function and altered immune profiles.
- Aging negatively impacts lymphoid organs and immune cell interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of aging on adaptive immunity.
- To examine the role of age-associated immune cells in atherosclerosis.
- To highlight the need for interventions against age-related immune dysfunction for cardiovascular risk reduction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of adaptive immunity and aging.
- Analysis of age-related changes in B- and T cells.
- Examination of immune system's role in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Aging reduces naive B- and T cell proliferation and receptor diversity.
- Immunosenescence is linked to a pro-inflammatory profile and autoantibody production.
- Deterioration of lymphoid organs impairs T-B cell dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Age-associated adaptive immune dysfunction is a significant factor in atherosclerosis.
- Targeting age-related immune decline may reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
- Further research is needed to develop interventions for immune senescence in cardiovascular health.
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