1. Leukocyte function in the aging immune system
- Author
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Desai, Anjali, Grolleau‐Julius, Annabelle, and Yung, Raymond
- Abstract
Review of the current understanding of age‐dependent changes in leukocyte function and their contribution to aging‐related disease processes. Aging is associated with a progressive dysregulation of immune responses. Whether these changes are solely responsible for the observed increased mortality and morbidity amongst the elderly is uncertain. Recent advances have highlighted the age‐associated changes that occur beyond T and B lymphocytes. Additionally, multiple human and animal studies have identified a relationship between chronic low‐grade inflammation and geriatric syndromes, such as frailty, suggesting that the phenomenon of “inflamm‐aging” may provide a rationale for the increased vulnerability to chronic inflammatory diseases in older adults. In the present review, we broadly summarize our current understanding of age‐dependent changes in leukocyte function and their contribution to aging‐related disease processes.
- Published
- 2010
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