Immunoinflammation and post-translational modifications in the aging process
Jiaqi Xiao1,2,3, Xuan Qin2, WenTao Chen2
1Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437000, China.
Journal of Translational Medicine
|August 15, 2025
Summary
Aging causes immune system decline (immunosenescence) and chronic inflammation (inflammaging). Histone modifications are key epigenetic regulators, offering potential therapeutic targets to combat age-related immune dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Immunology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Aging is characterized by a decline in immune function, known as immunosenescence.
- This decline is associated with a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state called inflammaging.
- Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications, play a crucial role in regulating these age-related immune changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of histone modification-mediated mechanisms regulating immunosenescence.
- To highlight the functional roles of these modifications in immune inflammation during aging.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting histone modifications for mitigating immunosenescence.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on epigenetics, aging, and immunology.
- Analysis of studies focusing on histone modifications (methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, O-GlcNAcylation) in the context of immunosenescence and inflammaging.
- Synthesis of findings on the regulatory roles of post-translational modifications in age-related immune processes.
Main Results:
- Histone modifications are fundamental modulators of immunoinflammatory processes in aging.
- Specific histone modifications are linked to the deterioration of immune function during senescence.
- Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into the molecular basis of inflammaging.
Conclusions:
- Histone modifications are critical regulators of immunosenescence and inflammaging.
- Targeting histone modifications presents a promising therapeutic avenue to counteract age-related immune decline.
- Further research into these epigenetic mechanisms can lead to interventions for healthier aging.
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