Immune System and Aging: Neuroimmunological Implications

Abstract

Intact neuroendocrine-immune interactions are essential for the development and functional maintenance of both systems. Experimental precocious disruption of such interactions causes premature aging-like phenomena affecting various body functions. Normal physiological aging appears to be, in part, dependent on age-related modifications of neuroendocrine-immune interactions. The thymus plays a major role in this context. Experimental manipulation at the thymic or neuroendocrine level may reciprocally correct the age-associated disfunctions, suggesting the reversible nature of such phenomena. Based on these observations, data are presented suggesting that the neuroendocrine-thymus network may represent a biological clock of aging.