What is the Origin of Immune System Aging?

The concept of immunosenescence emerged from gerontology and immunology research in the mid-20th century, recognizing that susceptibility to infection and cancer increased dramatically with age. The term highlights the parallel decline in immune function with chronological aging.

What is the Mechanism of Immune System Aging?

Key mechanisms include the exhaustion of T-cell and B-cell clonal diversity, an accumulation of memory cells, and a shift toward a pro-inflammatory state known as inflammaging. Hormones like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone are known to be immunomodulatory; their age-related decline contributes to the overall dysregulation of the immune system. Clinically, strategies aim to bolster immune resilience by optimizing micronutrient status and addressing chronic endocrine imbalance.

Immune System Aging ∞ Area

Immune System Aging

Meaning

Immune system aging, clinically termed immunosenescence, describes the progressive, deleterious changes that occur in the immune system over time, resulting in a reduced capacity to mount effective responses to new pathogens and a simultaneous increase in chronic, low-grade inflammation. This age-related decline involves the involution of the thymus, decreased production of naive T-cells, and functional defects in innate immune cells. The integrity of the immune system is inextricably linked to endocrine health, as hormones significantly modulate immune function.