Complexity of Anti-immunosenescence Strategies in Humans

:  Immunosenescence is characterized by three main aspects: (i) the shrinkage of the T cell repertoire and the accumulation of oligoclonal expansions (megaclones) of memory/effector cells directed toward ubiquitary infectious agents; (ii) the involution of the thymus and the exhaustion of naïve T ce...

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Published in:Artificial organs 2006-10, Vol.30 (10), p.730-742
Main Authors: Capri, Miriam, Monti, Daniela, Salvioli, Stefano, Lescai, Francesco, Pierini, Michela, Altilia, Serena, Sevini, Federica, Valensin, Silvana, Ostan, Rita, Bucci, Laura, Franceschi, Claudio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging - immunology
Anti-immunosenescence
Antigens - immunology
Biological Evolution
Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus - immunology
Cytomegalovirus Infections - immunology
Humans
IL-7
Immune System - growth & development
Immunosenescence
Inflamm-aging
Inflammation - immunology
Intestinal microflora
Memory/effector cells
Oligoclonal expansions
Shrinkage of the T cell repertoire
T-Lymphocytes - immunology
Thymic involution
Thymus Gland - immunology
Vitamin D
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Summary::  Immunosenescence is characterized by three main aspects: (i) the shrinkage of the T cell repertoire and the accumulation of oligoclonal expansions (megaclones) of memory/effector cells directed toward ubiquitary infectious agents; (ii) the involution of the thymus and the exhaustion of naïve T cells; and (iii) a chronic inflammatory status called inflamm‐aging. We present here possible strategies to counteract these main aspects of immunosenescence in humans with particular attention to the reduction of antigenic load by pathogens, such as CMV, and the normalization of intestinal microflora, the possible utilization of IL‐7 to reverse thymic involution, the purging of megaclones, the forced expression of CD28 on T lymphocytes, the reduction of inflamm‐aging and the administration of nutrients such as vitamin D. Possible drawbacks of all these strategies are discussed. Finally, the complexity of a rejuvenation approach is stressed, with particular attention to the inhibitory role played by the “old microenvironment” on the performance of progenitor cells, the best candidate to counteract the decline in regenerative potential characteristic of organs and tissues from old organisms.
ISSN:0160-564X
1525-1594
DOI:10.1111/j.1525-1594.2006.00295.x