Key Points
In the old, age-related changes in host defenses play a key role in the increased susceptibility and severity of infections.
Comorbidities are common in older persons and may further compromise host defenses.
Innate and adaptive immunity are now known to be interactive systems; both are affected by age and disease, and changes in innate immunity affects adaptive immunity.
Recent studies suggest that Toll-like receptors appear to be affected by age and that these changes may affect antigen presentation and optimal T-cell function.
Age-related changes in B-cell function and in B-cell and T-cell interaction result in diminished antigen-specific antibody production.
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Suggested Reading
Gupta, S. (2005). Molecular mechanisms of apoptosis in the cells of the immune system in human aging. Immunology Review 205, 114–129.
Plackett, T.P., Boehmer, E.D., Faunce, D.E., & Kovacs, E. (2004). Aging and innate immune cells. Journal of Leukocyte Biology 76, 291–299.
van Duin, D., & Shaw, A.C. (2007). Toll-like receptors in older adults. Journal of American Geriatrics Society 55, 1438–1444.
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Norman, D.C. (2009). Factors Predisposing to Infection. In: Norman, D., Yoshikawa, T. (eds) Infectious Disease in the Aging. Infectious Disease. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-534-7_2
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