Can Physical Activity Ameliorate Immunosenescence and Thereby Reduce Age-related Multi-morbidity?

Overview

Journal Nat Rev Immunol

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2019 Jun 9

PMID 31175337

Citations 183

Authors

Niharika A Duggal

Grace Niemiro

Stephen D R Harridge

Richard J Simpson

Janet M Lord

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Remodelling of the immune system with age - immunosenescence - is a substantial contributor to poor health in older adults, with increasing risk of infections, cancer and chronic inflammatory disease contributing to age-related multi-morbidity. What is seldom considered when examining the immune response of an aged individual is that the immune system is profoundly influenced by physical activity. Habitual physical activity levels decline with age, with significant consequences for muscle mass and function. Skeletal muscle is a major immune regulatory organ and generates a range of proteins, termed myokines, which have anti-inflammatory and immunoprotective effects. Several studies indicate that maintaining physical activity has immune benefits in older adults, for example, it reduces the systemic inflammation associated with chronic age-related diseases. Here, we discuss how physical activity can prevent or ameliorate age-related multi-morbidity by boosting immune function, and we consider whether physical activity could improve immunotherapy outcomes in age-related conditions such as cancer.

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