Monocytes in Aging and Exercise

Abstract

Monocytes are cells of the innate immune system which perform important functions, including inflammatory cytokine production and phagocytosis, and participate in pathogen defense. In aging and disease, monocyte functions are dysregulated, and this dysregulation has been conclusively linked to the pathogenesis of a variety of age-related chronic diseases. In this review, we summarize the current literature supporting exercise training as a potential therapy for improving monocyte function, with particular attention to studies in the aging population. Substantial evidence suggests exercise is an effective therapy for modulating monocyte biology, although mechanisms by which this occurs are still not well understood.

Keywords

• Exercise immunology
• Immunosenescence
• Immunogerontology
• Older adults
• Physical activity