Complex interaction between innate immune memory and aging: A narrative review
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Aging is associated with immune dysfunction, and many age-associated pathologies and aged immune cell phenotypes resemble those found in innate immune memory, which includes two distinct phenotypes: endotoxin tolerance and trained immunity. This review discusses the similarities and differences between innate immune memory and an aged immune system, underscoring a probable interconnection between them. For example, both aging and innate immune memory share (i) an increased myelopoiesis over lymphopoiesis; and (ii) epigenetic changes in immune cells. The review also explores the interaction between innate immune memory and aging, as well as the underlying mechanisms, with a focus on the roles of mitochondrial biogenesis and macroautophagy—both of which are reduced in aged immune cells. Finally, the role of sirtuins as anti-aging and anti-endotoxin tolerance is underscored.
Source: Aging advances.
Institution: Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7128785127