Aging, Immunity, and Cancer

Abstract

Senescent decline in immune surveillance leads to the accumulation of cellular and DNA mutations that could be a significant factor in the development of malignancy and programmed cell death or apoptosis observed in the elderly.

Identification and Characterization of a Novel Thymus Aging Related Protein Rwdd1

“…Older subjects tend to be more susceptible to microbial infections, certain autoimmune diseases and specific cancers (10)(11)(12). The thymus is a lymphoid organ that is in charge of T lymphocyte development, selection and maturation.…”

Effects of Human Ageing on Periodontal Tissues

“…Ageing-related immunological alterations in the leukocyte subpopulations 48 and Blymphocyte subpopulations 49 have been reported. The reduction in the peripheral blood population of B-lymphocytes is associated with the decrease in the production of highspecificity antibodies as well as in the avidity of antigen-antibody legation 50 . In establishment of long-term memory of immune response, the maturation of antigen-induced CD4 + T-cells, which are postthymic human cell, results in the terminally differentiated CD45RA + .…”

Comparative Experimental Studies on the Spleen of Young and Aged Balb/C and Cd-1 Mice

“…The increased prevalence of these conditions and the higher morbidity and mortality from infections strongly suggest functional defects and deterioration of the immune system with advancing age (Effros, 2001).With the progressing of age, an increased mortality rates as well as prevalence of specific cancers and certain autoimmune diseases have been also observed by Castle (2000) and Burns & Leventhal (2000). So, alterations in immune function with age in animals are important to the health of aging individuals.…”