ÉLIE METCHNIKOFF’S LEGACY IN THE FIELD OF ORTHOBIOSIS

Abstract

Elie Metchnikoff is well known for his fundamental works in the field of cellular immunity and phagocytosis for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize. He gained his international reputation for ground-breaking research across numerous academic disciplines: biology, embryology, zoology, bacteriology, etc. The great visionary leader of science launched evolutionary embryology, comparative immunology, gerontology, to name a few. Most of his scientific works were influenced with philosophical reflections on the meaning of life, old age, and death. This article attempts to overview his legacy in the field of orthobiosis, or active and healthy aging. It discusses Metchnikoff’s hypothesis of self-poisoning of an organism and related views on orthobiosis.