This article in Science Daily discusses why our ability to fight infection declines with age from Genetics Society of America's journal, Genetics. Scientists found these declining genes in a study on fruit flies. They found that a completely different set of genes are responsible for fighting infection at middle age than during youth. Many of the genes that were discovered are also present in humans and may help us understand the genetics of our immune systems. Scientist are hoping to develop new treatments form this information to help prevent the decline of the immune system.
Scientists used fruit flies of different genotypes that were from a natural population. Fruit Flies from each genotype were infected with bacteria at two different ages. The younger flies were equivalent to the age of a human teenager, and the older flies were equivalent to a middle age adult. The scientists then observed how fast each set of flies responded and fought off the infection, while also seeing what genes responded. Genes whose variation in expression were associated with the ability to clear the infection were identified for each of the different ages when exposed to the infection. Thus, the genes for the two age groups were different. There was no overlap in the sets of genes associated with the ability to clear infection across ages. This is a very significant study for the medical community. The genes responsible for warding off infection are almost completely different in younger individuals than in older individuals. Since the average age of a humans life is continuing to increase we may be able to discover new ways to help our immune systems stay stronger and healthier for longer amounts of time.
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