A Perspective on Cellular Immunity in the Elderly

The increased incidence of infection and malignancy in elderly individuals has prompted many studies that demonstrate that the aging immune system is impaired. Most of these studies have focused on the impairment of acquired immunity provided by lymphocytes. While defects in acquired humoral and T-c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical infectious diseases 1999-04, Vol.28 (4), p.710-713
Main Authors: Khanna, Kristen V., Markham, Richard B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acquired immunity
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aging - immunology
AIDS
Biological and medical sciences
Development. Metamorphosis. Moult. Ageing
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Granulocytes
Humans
Immunity
Immunity, Cellular
Infections
Integrating Geriatrics into Rheumatology, Infectious Diseases, and Immunology
Lymphocytes
Macrophages
Monocytes
Older adults
T lymphocytes
Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
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Summary:The increased incidence of infection and malignancy in elderly individuals has prompted many studies that demonstrate that the aging immune system is impaired. Most of these studies have focused on the impairment of acquired immunity provided by lymphocytes. While defects in acquired humoral and T-cell-mediated immunity may exist, increased susceptibility to infection may result from defects in the constitutive functioning of macrophages and granulocytes. Recognition of the potential importance of defects in constitutive immunity in the elderly may provide new opportunities for therapeutic and prophylactic intervention in this population.
ISSN:1058-4838
1537-6591
DOI:10.1086/515206