Figure 1.

Interrelationship between oxidative stress, immunosenescence and inflamm-aging. Oxidative stress is associated with an increased endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and/or a decrease in the antioxidant ability within the cell. ROS react with biomolecules (protein, lipids, DNA) leading to cell dysfunction or apoptosis. Byproducts of the oxidative metabolism may activate TLR (Toll-Like Receptors) and DAMPs (Damage Associated Molecular Pattern) receptors, leading to the activation of the innate immune system. In turn, this generates a pro-inflammatory milieu and further increases ROS production, in a positive feedback loop. NLRP-3: Nucleotide-binding domain, Leucine-rich Repeat-containing family Protein 3 (also known as NALP3).