Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease: Is the Adaptive Immune System a Friend or Foe?

Neurodegenerative diseases involve the gradual loss of nerve cells, leading to problems with movement and mental function. While these diseases have different causes, a common feature is neuroinflammation. The immune system, including adaptive immune cells, plays a role in both protecting and harming the brain. As we age, immune function declines and inflammation increases, affecting the progression of these diseases. This review discusses how the adaptive immune system influences brain health and disease, focusing on the impact of aging on these interactions.

• 1
  Adaptive immune cells, particularly T lymphocytes, can have both detrimental and beneficial roles in neurodegenerative diseases, influencing both degeneration and regeneration.
• 2
  Aging is a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases and significantly impacts the function of both the central nervous system and the adaptive immune system.
• 3
  The balance between degeneration and regeneration mediated by the adaptive immune system may be influenced by environmental factors, age-associated triggers, and the specific disease context.