Immunosenescence in autoimmune diseases.

Huifang Hu, Guangyue Zhang, Tao Chen, Yi Liu, Liesu Meng, Rikard Holmdahl, Lunzhi Dai, Yi Zhao

Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, China.Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, China. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are a group of disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, characterized by the loss of tolerance to self-antigens and destruction of tissues. Aging is a natural process of physiological decline that also alters the immune system, a condition known as immunosenescence. During immunosenescence, the immune system undergoes various changes, including modifications and antigenicity of self-antigens, abnormalities in the quantity, phenotype, and function of lymphocytes and antibodies, as well as a narrowing of the B and T cell receptor repertoire, changes that may increase susceptibility to AIDs. Additionally, senescent immune cells and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) contribute to target organ involvement in AIDs, exacerbating chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic imbalances in AIDs lead to the accumulation of senescent cells, which act as upstream drivers of immunosenescence. In this review, we summarize the bidirectional relationship between AIDs and immunosenescence, as well as its potential mechanisms. Therapeutic approaches targeting immunosenescence in AIDs remain at an early stage. Strategies aimed at resetting or reversing the aging immune system are expected to become a novel direction in the future.

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Research summary

The paper discusses the relationship between immunosenescence and autoimmune diseases, suggesting that targeting immunosenescence could be a novel therapeutic approach. This research is relevant as it explores mechanisms that may contribute to age-related decline in immune function, which is a key aspect of longevity and age-related diseases.

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