Probiotics as Anti-immunosenescence Agents

Abstract

Immunosenescence is an inevitable, gradual decline in functions of the immune system during aging. The process affects all cells of the immune system and hence contributes to increased risk of infections and disorders in the elderly. Dietary consumption of probiotics has long been considered beneficial for health mostly because of its immunomodulatory attributes. Recent advances in understanding the effects of probiotics on the aging immune system have begun to unfold their potent anti-immunosenescence attributes. A better understanding of these effects may help devise a probiotic-based anti-immunosenescence strategy for a healthy elderly life.

Keywords:

• Aging
• Immunity
• Immunomodulation
• Immunosenescence
• Probiotics

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India and National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR), Karnal, for providing financial assistance and library facilities in preparation of the manuscript.