The twilight of the immune system: The impact of immunosenescence in aging

Cellular senescence is a critical part of human anti-tumor defence; however, the accumulation of senescent cells with age underpins a wide range of pathologies. Senescent change in immune cells, or immunosenescence, has a wide range of physiological effects and is at least partially responsible for many diseases associated with aging. Immunosenescence underpins inflammaging, increased vulnerability to infectious disease with age, malignant change in the elderly, and auto-immunity. Understanding the effects and mechanisms of immunosenescence will improve disease outcomes and prevention in older adults, and generate new treatments for common illnesses. In this review we summarize the key changes occurring in immunosenescence across each facet of the immune system, and identify their clinical correlates.

Automated summary

Cellular senescence is a critical part of human anti-tumor defence, but the accumulation of senescent cells with age can lead to various pathologies. Immunosenescence, the senescent change in immune cells, has a wide range of physiological effects and is partially responsible for many diseases associated with aging. Understanding the effects and mechanisms of immunosenescence can improve disease outcomes and prevention in older adults, and lead to new treatments for common illnesses.