Immunity and Inflammation: From Jekyll to Hyde

The immune system is the defense system of the host that protects it from foreign pathogens. Inflammation is one of the key processes that alert the immune system but when loss of regulation occurs, a long-term chronic inflammation settles and is likely to be detrimental to the host. Most age-related diseases are linked to a disequilibrium of circulating inflammatory molecules. We could use the analogy of “Dr Jekyll' representing the expected inflammation and immune response in general and the “Mr. Hyde” effect represented by the other face of inflammation, when it is dysregulated. This review aims to cover how immunity, inflammation and persistent infection are associated and some aspects that future studies should look into such as tissue-specific immunity and interventions. Having this knowledge will enable us to prevent inflammation to lose its regulatory network, which could potentially increase the health-span and a better quality of life for the growing elderly population.