Ageing Amd Immunity Flashcards
What is the function of the innate system?
Neutrophils activated and produce cytokines which cause inflammation and attract other cells
Natural killer cells kill infected cells
Macrophages, dendritic cells –> antigen presenting cells
What is immunosenecence?
Ageing of the immune system
Decreased ability to detect and remove tumour cells
Decreased ability to develop immunity after vaccination
What changes in the innate immune system with ageing?
Decreased function of epithelial barrier such as skin, gi tract
Reduced macrophage/neutrophil/natural killer activity
What changes occur in macrophages in ageing?
Numbers in blood stable with age but reduced in bone marrow
Intracellular killing of bacteria is decreased
Phagocytic function is compromised with age
What changes occur in dendritic cells in ageing?
Reduced antigen uptake and processing
Impaired migration to site of infection
Impaired response to cytokines
What changes occur in the adaptive immune system with ageing?
Decreased B cell production and function
Reduced diversity of immunoglobulins
Reduced production of T cells
Spleen doesn’t function properly
