Retinoid dynamics in immune cells during age-related diseases
Yunge Wang1, Atikah Tsabita Muslihah2, Mengwei Fu3
1State Key Laboratory of Genome and Multi-omics Technologies, BGI Research, Hangzhou, Key Laboratory of Spatial Omics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310030, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews
|July 7, 2026
Summary
Aging impacts retinoid metabolism, affecting immune function and chronic inflammation. Understanding these changes is key for developing anti-aging strategies and treating age-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Retinoids, vitamin A derivatives, are crucial for cellular functions.
- Retinoid metabolism involves complex pathways influencing gene expression and immunity.
- Age-related decline in retinoid signaling contributes to chronic inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review age-related alterations in retinoid metabolism.
- To examine the impact of these alterations on inflammation and age-related diseases.
- To highlight retinoid metabolism's role in anti-aging interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on retinoid metabolism and aging.
- Analysis of retinoid dynamics, signaling, and immune cell function.
- Synthesis of current research on retinoids in age-related diseases.
Main Results:
- Age-related changes in retinoid bioavailability and signaling affect immune cell polarization.
- Altered retinoid metabolism contributes to chronic inflammation in diseases like neurodegeneration and cardiovascular conditions.
- Metabolites and proteins in retinoid pathways have distinct roles beyond metabolism, influencing immunity.
Conclusions:
- Retinoid metabolism is a critical factor in immune regulation and aging.
- Targeting retinoid pathways offers potential for anti-aging interventions.
- Further research is needed to address challenges in leveraging retinoid metabolism for healthspan.
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