Lymphokines in immunological aging

One consequence of the natural aging process is a continual, often severe decline in immune function. In this review, evidence is presented that supports the hypothesis that the age-related diminution in immune function is due, at least in part, to aberrant synthesis of, or response to, certain immunoregulatory lymphokines that play an essential role in immunological responses. It is suggested that pharmacological agents that modulate lymphokine synthesis and/or responsiveness may restore the immunoregulatory imbalance observed in aging and other autoimmune and immunodeficiency disorders.