Immunosenescence
Patients affected by an autoimmune disease appear to be susceptible to premature immune ageing [1]. Hence, immunosenescence may be of particular concern for patients with MS. Immune ageing can be further amplified by some MS therapies, especially those with immunosuppressive properties [1], by the presence of cytomegalovirus (which increases with age; seroprevalence approaches 80% by the age of 70 years in northern Europe) [2] or by undergoing thymectomy during early childhood [3].
With immunosenescence the response to immune challenges, including infections and cancer, declines [4,5].
Figure: The ageing immune system – potential mechanisms involved [1,4-7]
Immunosenescence: what does it mean? – Expert insights
Telomere shortening - a marker of cellular senescence
References
- Mills EA, Mao-Draayer Y. Mult Scler 2018; 24(8): 1014-22. Return to content
- Kadambari S et al. Rev Med Virol 2020; 30(5): e2144. Return to content
- Sauce D et al. J Clin Invest 2009; 119(10): 3070-8. Return to content
- McElhaney JE, Effros RB. Curr Opin Immunol 2009; 21(4): 418-24. Return to content
- Montecino-Rodriguez E et al. Clin Invest 2013; 123(3): 958-65. Return to content
- Schweitzer F et al. Curr Opin Neurol 2019; 32(3): 305-12. Return to content
- Vaughn CB et al. Nat Rev Neurol 2019; 15(6): 329-42. Return to content
