Summary
Age-related decline in immune function, raising susceptibility to infection and cancer.
In depth
Thymic involution reduces naive T cells, memory cells accumulate, and chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) develops. Older people respond less to vaccines, so high-dose or adjuvanted vaccines are used.
Reduced naive cell output, accumulation of senescent T cells and poorer antibody responses. Frailty and inflammation are linked. Exercise and vaccination help maintain function.
Example: older adults get adjuvanted shingles vaccine.
Frequently asked questions
What is Immunosenescence?
Age-related decline in immune function, raising susceptibility to infection and cancer.
Which area of biology covers Immunosenescence, and how advanced is it?
Immunosenescence is one of the 52 topics in Immunology & Disease. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Transplant Rejection, Vaccines, HIV and AIDS.
Can you give an example of Immunosenescence?
Shingles risk increases with age as VZV-specific immunity wanes.
What should I learn before Immunosenescence?
Work through the Beginner topics in Immunology & Disease first, such as Immune System, Viruses, Innate Immunity, then return to Immunosenescence. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Immunosenescence?
The closest topics to Immunosenescence are Transplant Rejection, Vaccines, HIV and AIDS, Active and Passive Immunity. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Immunosenescence?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Immunosenescence. To practise the whole of Immunology & Disease, use the Immunology & Disease quiz.
How is Immunosenescence different from Transplant Rejection?
Immunosenescence: Age-related decline in immune function, raising susceptibility to infection and cancer. Transplant Rejection: Recipient immune cells recognise donor MHC as foreign, requiring matching and immunosuppression. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Immunosenescence step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Transplant Rejection and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Immunology & Disease quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.