ABSTRACT
Understanding the mechanisms of the immune function and the influence of aging thereon is not a simple matter. Immunological reactions are highly complex (Table 15.1) and require the participation of numerous humoral factors, cell types (Table 15.2), tissues, and organs (Table 15.3). The immune system has the enormous task of protecting us from disease (Table 15.4) and that which is foreign,
while avoiding harm to that which is self. Before one can appreciate the dynamic effects of aging on the immune function that are described in this chapter, it would be constructive to be familiar with some key terms and concepts listed in Table 15.5. It would also be helpful to be aware of the numerous cell types (Table 15.2) involved in immune reactions that are under sensitive control of a variety of humoral factors and molecular interactions (Table 15.6).
