Changes within the immune system from Birth to Old Age

A wide range of age-related alterations in immune system function have been described which contribute to the high prevalence, the more severe disease course and the poorer prognosis of certain infectious diseases in the elderly population and the low efficacy of vaccinations. Moreover, the development and progression of other agerelated diseases, such as certain cancers, atherosclerosis, dementia, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis have been associated with altered immune function in old age. The most prominent event contributing to immunosenescence is the involution of the thymus which leads to a dramatic loss of T cell function. It is therefore of great importance to fully assess age-related changes within the immune system and to develop strategies aiming at restoring immune system function in elderly persons