autoimmune theory of aging

autoimmune theory of aging

a programmed theory of aging that ascribes aging and cell death to preprogrammed decline in T cell function with age, which causes decreased self/nonself recognition and increased development of infections, tumors, and autoimmune disorders. See also theories of aging.

autoimmune theory of aging

The theory that aging occurs because antibodies develop, attack, and destroy the normal cells in the body. According to this theory, a progressive deficiency in immunological tolerance results in the inability to distinguish self from foreign structures.

See also: theory