MODULE SUPPLEMENT: IMMUNE SYSTEM
Objectives
 "A finger catches the sharp edge of an envelope; a noseful of tree pollen is accidentally inhaled; the latest virus finds host after human host. In all cases the assaulted body reacts through inflammation, a well known, but not well defined process, especially its molecular cascade of events. These events are orchestrated by chemokines and the other biochemicals of innate immunity, eventually engaging downstream immune cells and antigens involved with adaptive immunity. A person is born with an innate immune system, whereas acquired immunity is developed through lifelong contact with pathogens." (Kreeger, 2003, p. 28)
This module in the Biology of Aging sequence deals with issues related to the responses noted above to some type of threat. It begins with a review of the immune system and age changes
and then address some of the pathological conditions that are closely associated with alterations in
immune function in the elderly. Specific objectives for the module are for participants to be able to:
- Identify components of the immune system that are influenced by normal
aging processes and discuss how these alterations impact immune function and
increase vulnerability to select health problems.
- Differentiate between changes that occur with age in the cellular versus
humoral immunity.
- Utilize knowledge of the immune changes that occur with age in the
development of interventions to prevent or to treat common problems.
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