AUTHOR=Palacios-Pedrero Miguel Ángel , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , Becker Tanja , Elbahesh Husni , Rimmelzwaan Guus F. , Saletti Giulietta 

TITLE=Aging and Options to Halt Declining Immunity to Virus Infections

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.681449

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2021.681449

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=<p>Immunosenescence is a process associated with aging that leads to dysregulation of cells of innate and adaptive immunity, which may become dysfunctional. Consequently, older adults show increased severity of viral and bacterial infections and impaired responses to vaccinations. A better understanding of the process of immunosenescence will aid the development of novel strategies to boost the immune system in older adults. In this review, we focus on major alterations of the immune system triggered by aging, and address the effect of chronic viral infections, effectiveness of vaccination of older adults and strategies to improve immune function in this vulnerable age group.</p>