What theory of aging implicates autoimmune responses and a weakening of immune functions as causes?

The theory that implicates autoimmune responses and a weakening of immune functions as causes of aging focuses on how changes in the immune system contribute to the aging process. This theory suggests that as individuals age, their immune system becomes less effective at distinguishing between the body's own cells and foreign pathogens, leading to an increase in autoimmune reactions where the body may mistakenly attack its own tissues. This decline in immune function results in increased vulnerability to infections, inflammatory diseases, and other age-related conditions.

In the context of aging, the immune system's deteriorating performance is significant because it can exacerbate other age-related disorders. The body’s failure to adequately respond to pathogens or to regulate inflammatory responses can lead to chronic diseases that are prevalent in older populations. Thus, this theory underscores the relationship between immune system health and overall aging, highlighting that the immune response plays a critical role in how the body ages.