Changes in Adaptive Immunity in Autoimmune Diseases and Aging: Shared Features, Key Differences, and Implications for Immune Vulnerability

Immunologically vulnerable populations (IVP) are particularly at risk of infection due to dysregulated immune responses. Parallels, as well as contrasts, have been drawn between IVP with autoimmune diseases (AI DIS) and older adults, the two by far most numerous IVP, related to their adaptive immune responses. Moreover, beyond the similarities and differences between these two groups, there is accumulating evidence that immune aging can drive certain aspects of autoimmunity. This review integrates existing knowledge regarding the dysregulation of adaptive immune responses in AI DIS and in older adults, while critically examining the similarities, differences, and interrelations between the two in the context of immune responses to infection and vaccination.