immunosenescence
Pronunciation: im-YOO-no-sen-ESS-ense
Age-related decline in immune system function affecting both innate and adaptive immunity.
Full Definition
Immunosenescence refers to the gradual deterioration of immune system function that occurs with aging, characterized by reduced responsiveness to new antigens, increased susceptibility to infections, decreased vaccine efficacy, and paradoxically, increased risk of autoimmune disease. In the context of neuroinflammation, immunosenescence may contribute to chronic inflammatory states in the aging brain, altered responses to neuroinflammatory stimuli, and increased vulnerability to neurodegenerative processes. This phenomenon involves changes in both innate immunity (microglial dysfunction) and adaptive immunity (T cell exhaustion, reduced naive T cell production). Understanding immunosenescence is crucial for managing neuroinflammatory diseases in elderly populations.
Usage
Usage note: Write as one word. Distinguish from pathological immunosuppression or primary immunodeficiency.
In Context
- "Immunosenescence may explain the altered disease course of multiple sclerosis in elderly patients." — Geriatric neurology review
- "The effects of immunosenescence on vaccine responses must be considered in older adults with neuroinflammatory diseases." — Clinical immunology guideline