The role of dendritic cells in skin aging

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in the skin’s immune defense, participating in the initiation and regulation of immune responses. During skin aging, complex changes occur in DCs, which compromise their barrier function and immune responsiveness. Objective — to summarize current data on changes in DCs, TLR, PI3K/AKT, NF-kB, NRF2 signaling pathways in the skin during aging. A literature search was performed using the PubMed database, covering the period from 2010 to 2026. Cutaneous DC populations undergo age-related changes, leading to altered functional activity. This process is characterized by a decline in their antigen-presenting and migratory capacities, as well as impaired phagocytosis. Aging is accompanied by activation of the PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, and NRF2 signaling pathways. Notably, NF-κB signaling is not isolated and can be regulated by other molecules, triggering interactions with other signaling pathways. Conclusion. Age-related alterations in DCs, TLRs, and signaling pathways are interconnected and play a pivotal role in the development of immunosenescence. TLRs are fundamental components of innate immunity, activating signaling cascades that lead to the synthesis of pro-inflammatory molecules. The key signaling pathways involved in aging processes include PI3K/Akt, NF-κB. Activation of the NRF2 signaling pathway leads to a decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in DCs. Furthermore, NRF2 serves as a crucial factor driving induction and differentiation of DCs.