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Immune senescence, epigenetics and autoimmunity

2018; Elsevier BV; Volume: 196; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.clim.2018.04.002

1521-7035

Donna Ray, Raymond Yung,

Epigenetics and DNA Methylation

Aging of the immune system in humans and animals is characterized by a decline in both adaptive and innate immune responses. Paradoxically, aging is also associated with a state of chronic inflammation (“inflammaging”) and an increased likelihood of developing autoimmune diseases. Epigenetic changes in non-dividing and dividing cells, including immune cells, due to environmental factors contribute to the inflammation and autoimmunity that characterize both the state and diseases of aging. Here, we review the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the development of immune senescence and autoimmunity in old age.