Innate Immune System Modulation During Aging: Contributions of macrophages and dendritic cells.

BELKYS A. MALETTO; GABRIEL MORÓN; PISTORESI, MARÍA CRISTINA

Current Immunology Reviews

Bentham Science Publishers

Año: 2010 vol. 6 p. 329 - 338

1573-3955

Abstract: Cumulative evidence indicates that aging exerts significant effects on the immune system, with a rise in thefrequency and severity of infections, and a diminished protection occurring after vaccination. Age-related changes in theadaptive immune response have been well established but the alterations taking place in the innate immune response andits regulation by immune modulators are not well understood. This review examines the current knowledge about the wayaging affects the function of several cells of the innate immune system. In particular, this review will focus on dendriticcells and macrophages and their contributions to the changes in the immune system during aging. Furthermore, thisreview will analyse how the response to Toll-like receptors is affected during aging. The recognition of defects in cells ofthe innate immune system of aged individuals and the understanding of their consequences will help in the developmentof better therapeutic strategies for the elderly