Exercise Ameliorates Immunosenescence: From Mechanisms to Interventions

Aging is an inevitable biological process that affects the function of various organs, including the immune system. Immunosenescence is characterized by diminished immune cell function, weakened immune responses, and imbalances in immune components, which together reduce the body's resistance to pathogens and increase the risk of age-related diseases in older adults. These conditions pose direct threats to health and significantly impact quality of life and longevity. Therefore, effective strategies to delay aging and maintain immune function are critical areas of research. Emerging evidence suggests that moderate physical activity can significantly enhance immune system functionality, serving as an effective intervention for mitigating immunosenescence. Exercise is known to remodel the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, strengthen communication between organs and the immune system, regulate the functions of both innate and adaptive immune cells, and decrease age-related chronic inflammation. Furthermore, exercise aids in restoring the functionality of aging immune cells through mechanisms such as autophagy activation, mitochondrial optimization, and epigenetic reprogramming. Importantly, a dose-response relationship exists between various exercise modalities and the attenuation of immunosenescence in older adults, with the cumulative amount of lifelong physical activity profoundly influencing the pace of immunosenescence.