Aging and Options to Halt Declining Immunity to Virus Infections

Front Immunol. 2021 May 12:12:681449. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.681449. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Immunosenescence is a process associated with aging that leads to dysregulation of cells of innate and adaptive immunity, which may become dysfunctional. Consequently, older adults show increased severity of viral and bacterial infections and impaired responses to vaccinations. A better understanding of the process of immunosenescence will aid the development of novel strategies to boost the immune system in older adults. In this review, we focus on major alterations of the immune system triggered by aging, and address the effect of chronic viral infections, effectiveness of vaccination of older adults and strategies to improve immune function in this vulnerable age group.

Keywords: aging; cell mediated immunity; immunosenescence; vaccine; virus infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Age Factors
  • Aging / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Disease Management
  • Disease Susceptibility / immunology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immune System / immunology
  • Immune System / metabolism
  • Immunity*
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Virus Diseases / immunology*
  • Virus Diseases / therapy
  • Virus Diseases / virology