Immunosenescence and Inflammaging as Drivers of Neurodegeneration: Cellular Mechanisms, Neuroimmune Crosstalk, and Therapeutic Implications

Apr 27, 2026Cells

Aging Immune Changes and Chronic Inflammation as Causes of Brain Cell Damage: Cell Processes, Immune-Brain Interaction, and Treatment Possibilities

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Abstract

Immunosenescence and inflammaging are linked to age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Aging alters immune function, leading to a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation.
Senescent microglia and astrocytes lose their protective roles in the central nervous system.
Systemic immune aging and blood-brain barrier dysfunction increase neuroinflammation.
This inflammatory environment may contribute to synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline.
Innate and adaptive immune dysregulation, along with mitochondrial impairment, are mechanistic links to neurodegeneration.
Several emerging therapies aim to restore immune balance and improve brain health.

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Aging is accompanied by profound alterations in immune function, termed immunosenescence, and by a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state known as inflammaging. These processes are increasingly recognized as central drivers of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Multiple Sclerosis. In the central nervous system, senescent microglia and astrocytes lose their homeostatic and neuroprotective functions, while systemic immune aging and blood-brain barrier dysfunction further amplify neuroinflammation and impair protein aggregate clearance. This sustained pro-inflammatory environment promotes synaptic dysfunction, neuronal loss and cognitive decline. Here, we synthesize current knowledge of the mechanistic links among immunosenescence, inflammaging, and neurodegeneration, highlighting innate and adaptive immune dysregulation, mitochondrial impairment, and failed resolution pathways. We further discuss emerging therapeutic strategies, including senolytics, immunoceuticals, microbiome-based interventions and advanced drug delivery systems, aimed at restoring immune homeostasis and enhancing brain resilience. By integrating mechanistic and translational insights, this review provides a framework for developing novel interventions to target immune aging in neurodegenerative diseases.

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Immunosenescence and Inflammaging as Drivers of Neurodegeneration: Cellular Mechanisms, Neuroimmune Crosstalk, and Therapeutic Implications

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