Bioengineering strategies to interrogate and modulate the aging immune system
Janko Ž Nikolich1,2, Matthew T Wolf3, Rebecca R Pompano4
1Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA. nikolich@arizona.edu.
Nature Aging
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Aging immune systems increase vulnerability to infections and chronic diseases. Multidisciplinary research using new models can advance understanding and therapies for immune rejuvenation in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Immune system aging leads to increased susceptibility to infections, cancer, and chronic diseases.
- Current in vitro models for studying immune aging are limited, hindering mechanistic understanding.
- Dysregulated inflammation and impaired wound healing are hallmarks of aging, impacting overall health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose multidisciplinary approaches integrating immunology, gerontology, and engineering to study immune aging.
- To identify key areas for advancing the science of immune aging, focusing on immune response initiation.
- To explore novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for immune rejuvenation in aging populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing advanced biomaterials and drug delivery systems.
- Developing and employing microphysiological systems and organoid models.
- Integrating engineering principles with immunological and gerontological research.
Main Results:
- This approach promises substantial new knowledge in immune aging mechanisms.
- Potential for developing precision diagnostics and therapeutics to reprogram immunity.
- Advancements in understanding immune response initiation in aged individuals.
Conclusions:
- Multidisciplinary research is crucial for overcoming current limitations in immune aging science.
- Novel in vitro models and technologies can accelerate discoveries in immune rejuvenation.
- This integrated approach holds potential for improving healthspan and quality of life in older adults.
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