Intersection of immunometabolism and immunosenescence during aging

Aging is associated with the highest risk for morbidity and mortality to chronic or metabolic diseases, which are present in 50% of the elderly. Improving metabolic and immune function of the elderly would improve quality of life and reduce the risk for all other diseases. Tissue-resident macrophages and the NLRP3 inflammasome are established drivers of inflammaging and metabolic dysfunction. Energy-sensing signaling pathways connect sterile and metabolic inflammation with cellular senescence and tissue dysfunction. We discuss recent advances in the immunometabolism field. Common themes revealed by recent publications include the alterations in metabolic signaling (SIRTUIN, AMPK, or mTOR pathways) in aged immune cells, the impact of senescence on inflammaging and tissue dysfunction, and the age-related changes in metabolic tissues, especially adipose tissue, as an immunological organ. Promising gerotherapeutics are candidates to broadly target nutrient and energy sensing, inflammatory and senescence pathways, and have potential to improve healthspan and treat age-related diseases.

Automated summary

Aging is closely linked to chronic or metabolic diseases, and improving metabolic and immune function in the elderly can enhance quality of life and reduce the risk of other diseases. Inflammaging and metabolic dysfunction are key factors in the aging process, with age-related changes seen in immune cells and metabolic tissues. Promising gerotherapeutics aim to target nutrient and energy sensing, inflammatory pathways, and senescence, offering potential to improve healthspan and treat age-related diseases.