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Review
. 2022 May;179(9):1808-1824.
doi: 10.1111/bph.15671. Epub 2021 Oct 31.

Understanding the role of host metabolites in the induction of immune senescence: Future strategies for keeping the ageing population healthy

Jessica Conway  1   2 , Michelangelo Certo  1 , Janet M Lord  1   2   3 , Claudio Mauro  1   2 , Niharika A Duggal  1   2
Affiliations
Free article
Review

Understanding the role of host metabolites in the induction of immune senescence: Future strategies for keeping the ageing population healthy

Jessica Conway et al. Br J Pharmacol. 2022 May.
Free article

Abstract

Advancing age is accompanied by significant remodelling of the immune system, termed immune senescence, and increased systemic inflammation, termed inflammageing, both of which contribute towards an increased risk of developing chronic diseases in old age. Age-associated alterations in metabolic homeostasis have been linked with changes in a range of physiological functions, but their effects on immune senescence remains poorly understood. In this article, we review the recent literature to formulate hypotheses as to how an age-associated dysfunctional metabolism, driven by an accumulation of key host metabolites (saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, ceramides and lactate) and loss of other metabolites (glutamine, tryptophan and short-chain fatty acids), might play a role in driving immune senescence and inflammageing, ultimately leading to diseases of old age. We also highlight the potential use of metabolic immunotherapeutic strategies targeting these processes in counteracting immune senescence and restoring immune homeostasis in older adults. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Inflammation, Repair and Ageing. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.9/issuetoc.

Keywords: immunesenescence; inflammaging; lactate; saturated fatty acids; short chain fatty acids.

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References

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