EPIGENETIC ALTERATIONS IN GENE EXPRESSION IN THE AGING IMMUNE SYSTEM

Abstract

Immunosenescence or aging of the immune system is characterized by dysregulation of the innate and adaptive immune system mechanisms, associated with a systemic low-grade inflammation (i.e., «inflammaging»), non-effective protective humoral and cellular immune responses to a microorgamis or vaccine, autoimmunity, and cancer. In addition, genetic dysregulation and alterations across the immune system drive the cellular manifestations of immunosenescence. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the recent advancements in immunosenescence research concerning epigenetics alterations in gene regulation and disturbances in gene expression in the aging immune system, focusing on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs.

Keywords

• immunosenescence
• epigenetic alterations
• chronic inflammation
• inflammaging
• aging
• immune system
• dna methylation
• histone modifications
• microrna