Role of immunosenescence in the development of neurodegenerative diseases: an integrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47456/hb.71.51828Keywords:
immunosenescence, aging, neurodegenerative diseasesAbstract
Immunosenescence refers to age-related alterations in the immune system that result in reduced immune responsiveness and increased susceptibility to diseases. This integrative review of seven studies investigated the influence of this process on the development of neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that immune aging is associated with changes in the composition and function of T lymphocytes and with the weakening of anti-inflammatory pathways, such as IL-10 and TGF-β. This imbalance promotes a state of chronic and poorly regulated neuroinflammation, which contributes to the development and progression of conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Specific findings reveal a complex relationship. Patients with early-stage PD exhibited lower senescence of CD8⁺ T lymphocytes but increased oxidative stress, and deficiency of the DJ-1 protein was also associated with reduced immunosenescence markers. In addition, exacerbated neuroinflammatory responses were observed in aged glial cells, as well as an association between an elevated lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio and the presence of dementia in nonagenarians. Taken together, these findings reinforce the central role of the immune system and inflammation in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases.
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