Why Some Centenarians Maintain Younger Immune Systems
A recent review in Nature Reviews Immunology highlights that some centenarians maintain immune characteristics similar to younger individuals. The study indicates that exceptional longevity results from a combination of biological adaptations that enhance immune function and resilience against age-related diseases. Additionally, the review notes sex-related differences in immune aging, with women generally exhibiting stronger immune responses than men.
- ▪Centenarians often preserve a more balanced and functional immune system than expected for their age.
- ▪Many centenarians can delay or avoid age-related diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
- ▪Women represent 79% of centenarians in the US, and immune aging differs between sexes.
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A review published in Nature Reviews Immunology suggested that some centenarians, defined as adults aged 100 years or older, and supercentenarians retain immunological characteristics typically observed in much younger individuals. Researchers analyzed and synthesized available evidence involving centenarians, including studies focused on semi-supercentenarians and supercentenarians, to identify biological features linked to healthier aging. This review evaluated immunological, inflammatory, genomic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, and gut microbiome findings associated with longevity and preserved immune function.Speaking with El Médico Interactivo, part of the Medscape Professional Network, Alejandro Lucía, MD, PhD, professor of exercise physiology at the Universidad Europea de Madrid’s…
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