Researchers suggest that with age, the immune system loses some of its firepower in a process known as immunosenescence. Current research suggests a couple of explanations for immunosenescence. First, as it ages, the bone marrow, from which all the cells of the immune system evolve, may become less able to nurture the stem cells that give rise to immune cells. Second, the thymus gland, where young T cells are tested, atrophies. These two factors may help explain the diminution of the firepower of the immune system (a reduction of B and T cells).
Researchers suggest that with age, the immune system loses some of
its firepower in a process known as immunosenescence. Current
research suggests a couple of explanations for immunosenescence.
First, as it ages, the bone marrow, from which...
More
Dr. Anthony Komaroff answered:Researchers suggest that with age, the immune system loses some of its firepower in a process known as immunosenescence. Current research suggests a couple of explanations for immunosenescence. First, as it ages, the bone marrow, from which all the cells of the immune system evolve, may become less able to nurture the stem cells that give rise to immune cells. Second, the thymus gland, where young T cells are tested, atrophies. These two factors may help explain the diminution of the firepower of the immune system (a reduction of B and T cells).Researchers suggest that with age, the immune system loses some of its firepower in a process known as immunosenescence. Current research suggests a couple of explanations for immunosenescence. First, as it ages, the bone marrow, from which... More