Natural killer cells immunosenescence and the impact of lifestyle management

Natural killer cells (NKs) are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that quickly respond to viruses, in-fections, and tumors during their short cell life cycle. However, it was recently found that NKs undergo quan-titative, distributional, structural, and functional phenotypic changes during aging that suppress immune responses, which is known as immunosenescence. The aging host environment, cytokine regulation, cytomeg-alovirus status, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis have significant effects on NK function. Different lifestyle management interventions modulate the number and cytotoxic activity of NKs, which are essential for rebuilding the immune barrier against pathogens in elderly individuals. Based on recent studies, we review the phenotypic changes of and potential threats of NKs during aging and explore the underlying mechanisms. By summarizing the effects of lifestyle management on NKs and their application prospects, we aim to provide evidence for enhancing immune system function against immune diseases in elderly individuals.

Automated summary

This article discusses the phenotypic changes of natural killer cells during aging and their inhibitory effects on immune responses. The host environment, cytokine regulation, and other factors have significant impacts on the function of natural killer cells. Different lifestyle management interventions can modulate the number and cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells, which is important for rebuilding the immune barrier in elderly individuals.