Mouse models and genetics of immunosenescence

Age-related changes in the immune system result in deterioration in the ability of elderly human beings to develop immunity after vaccination and to respond to infections. Thereby the quality of longer lifespan enjoyed by modern man is significantly compromised. Furthermore, higher mortality in the elderly from infections, autoimmune disease and cancer is associated with decline in the immune function. The use of rodent models has yielded critical knowledge of mechanisms by which immune cells develop and function. In this chapter, we focus on several mouse models that have provided significant data on the changes in immune system with advancing age. A greater understanding of many of the age-related changes in immune function, recently defined as immunosenescence, may provide important insight into the development of clinical strategies and interventions for the maintenance of adequate immune system as human beings age.