Autoimmunity reviews

Aging of the immune system in lupus: causes, health effects, and treatment possibilities

Updated

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with immune changes that resemble those seen in normal aging.

  • Immunological alterations in SLE include telomere shortening and chronic low-grade inflammation.
  • Thymic dysfunction and the expansion of senescent immune cell subsets are observed in SLE.
  • Age-associated immune changes may emerge early and are linked to disease activity and organ damage.
  • Immunosenescence is connected to complications such as cardiovascular issues, frailty, increased infections, and cognitive impairment in SLE.
  • Therapies targeting pathways related to senescence may offer new treatment strategies for SLE.

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Full Text

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Funding

Competing interests

No financial or personal ties reported.
PubMed

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