Immunological biomarkers of aging
Fei Wu1, Wei-Chieh Mu1, Nikola T Markov1
1Buck AI Platform, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|May 30, 2025
Summary
The aging immune system (immunosenescence) impacts health and disease, contributing to infections and noncommunicable conditions. Understanding immune aging is crucial for healthspan and disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- The immune system's role extends beyond pathogen defense and autoimmunity to aging-related noncommunicable diseases.
- Biological aging processes are increasingly linked to immune system dysregulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review immunological biomarkers of aging.
- To examine how the immune system changes with age and its health implications.
- To explore the clinical relevance of immune aging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of immunological assessments and aging.
- Analysis of technological advancements in studying immune aging.
- Synthesis of current research on immune aging biomarkers and clinical impacts.
Main Results:
- The immune system's evolution with age affects susceptibility to infections and vaccine efficacy.
- Immune aging contributes to noncommunicable diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration.
- Novel biomarkers and models are emerging for studying immune aging.
Conclusions:
- Immune aging is a significant factor in health and disease across the lifespan.
- Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps in immune aging.
- Understanding immune aging is critical for improving health outcomes in older adults.
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