The map of the immune system, with each dot representing an immune cell and dots of the same colour belonging to the same cell type
Lucas Graybuck/Allen Institute
A map of the immune system has revealed how cells that are key to fighting off infections and certain medical conditions change with age. This could help improve vaccines and treatments for age-related diseases, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
It is well-known that our immune system declines with age, but a detailed picture of how its cells change across a person’s life is lacking, says Claire Gustafson at the…