Effects of polymorphisms in immunity-related genes on the immune system and successful aging.

Effects of polymorphisms in immunity-related genes on the immune system and successful aging. Curr Opin Immunol. 2014 Apr 26;29C:49-55 Authors: Ruan Q, Qian F, Yu Z Abstract Aging is associated with the dysregulation of immune system. Despite a progressive decline in immune function resulting in hyporesponsiveness to infection and vaccination, aging is also characterized by a chronic, low-grade, pro-inflammatory condition. An elderly individual with a systemic inflammation is at an increased risk of age-related diseases. Polymorphisms in the genes coding for inflammatory or anti-inflammatory molecules associated with immune related processes can affect the balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory networks. An improved understanding of the interactions among endogenous and environmental factors and genetic polymorphisms in anti-inflammatory and immune-related genes will increase the possibility of treating major age-related diseases to achieve longevity. The major challenge is to fully understand the complex interactions between genetic variations and multiple factors and their relative contributions to immunosenescence and age-related diseases in various populations. The results of studies that examined polymorphisms in immune-related genes associated with successful aging are reviewed here. PMID: 24780188 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Current Opinion in Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Curr Opin Immunol Source Type: research