| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3345897 | Current Opinion in Immunology | 2014 | 7 Pages |
•Polymorphisms in immune-related genes that influence successful aging.•Polymorphisms in inflammatory network genes that affect successful aging.•Polymorphisms of non-immune regulatory genes involved in successful aging.•Successful aging results from multiple factors.
Aging is associated with the dysregulation of immune system. Despite a progressive decline in immune function resulting in hyporesponsiveness to infection and vaccination, aging is also characterized by a chronic, low-grade, pro-inflammatory condition. An elderly individual with a systemic inflammation is at an increased risk of age-related diseases. Polymorphisms in the genes coding for inflammatory or anti-inflammatory molecules associated with immune related processes can affect the balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory networks. An improved understanding of the interactions among endogenous and environmental factors and genetic polymorphisms in anti-inflammatory and immune-related genes will increase the possibility of treating major age-related diseases to achieve longevity. The major challenge is to fully understand the complex interactions between genetic variations and multiple factors and their relative contributions to immunosenescence and age-related diseases in various populations. The results of studies that examined polymorphisms in immune-related genes associated with successful aging are reviewed here.
