A curated selection of PubMed-indexed publications on immune aging, published in September 2026. Human studies, randomized controlled trials, animal research, and reviews are clearly distinguished. Each arrow opens the corresponding PubMed record.
Human RCT
Higher-dose, adjuvanted influenza vaccine tested in adults aged 50+
In a phase 3 randomized trial, the cell-derived, MF59-adjuvanted higher-dose vaccine produced stronger antibody responses than the egg-derived adjuvanted comparator for all four strains. Against the recombinant vaccine, non-inferiority was met for three strains, but not A/H3N2. These are immunogenicity results, not proof of fewer infections.
Immunogenicity and safety of an MF59-adjuvanted cell-derived higher-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIVc) in adults aged 50 years or older: a phase 3 randomised controlled trial.
Diet quality and inflammatory biomarkers in older adults
This cross-sectional study of 1,769 adults aged 60+ linked healthier dietary patterns with favorable blood biomarkers, including selected metabolic and inflammatory measures. Associations differed by dietary score. Because the study was observational, it does not establish that changing diet causes these biomarker changes or reverses immune aging.
DaCosta RA et al.BMC Med · 2026 Sep 15 (online) PMID: 42791570Publication details
Biological signature of dietary patterns in older adults: findings from a population-based study.
DaCosta RA et al. BMC Med. 2026 Sep 15 [published online]. 24(1). doi: 10.1186/s12916-026-05202-2.
Group B Streptococcus vaccine studied in adults aged 55–75
A placebo-controlled phase 1 trial tested three doses of an adjuvanted GBS vaccine in 90 adults aged 55–75, including participants with obesity or type 2 diabetes. It elicited robust, durable antibody responses. Mainly mild solicited reactions were reported; prevention of GBS disease was not established by this early-phase trial.
Oostvogels L et al.Vaccine · 2026 Sep 18 (online) PMID: 42759245Publication details
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of three doses of an adjuvanted group B Streptococcus vaccine in older adults aged 55 to 75.
Oostvogels L et al. Vaccine. 2026 Sep 18 [published online]. 92:129133. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.129133.
Targeting BIRC6 to address stem-cell and immune aging
Researchers identified a regulatory T-cell pathway supporting aged hematopoietic stem cells. Targeted BIRC6 inhibition rebalanced immune-cell production and improved vaccine responses in middle-aged mice. Effects were also observed in donor-derived human stem cells. This is preclinical evidence, not a human treatment trial.
Liao W et al.Signal Transduct Target Ther · 2026 Sep 23 (online) PMID: 42778529Publication details
Targeting BIRC6 rejuvenates hematopoietic stem cell aging and immunosenescence.
Liao W et al. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2026 Sep 23 [published online]. 11(1). doi: 10.1038/s41392-026-02787-1.
How immune aging may influence chronic eye inflammation
This review examines how immunosenescence may affect persistent uveitis, drawing on human observations and experimental models. It considers altered T-cell populations, inflammaging, tissue barriers, and possible therapies. The authors emphasize that direct evidence of immune rejuvenation in people with uveitis is still lacking.
Wu Y et al.Ageing Res Rev · 2026 Sep 22 (online) PMID: 42772576Publication details
Immunosenescence in uveitis: From mechanistic insights to therapeutic implications.
Wu Y et al. Ageing Res Rev. 2026 Sep 22 [published online]. 123:103381. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2026.103381.
This review proposes that repeated asymptomatic and persistent infections may contribute to chronic immune activation and age-related inflammation. It discusses potential mitochondrial, vascular, and immune consequences alongside the protective benefits of microbial exposure. It is a mechanistic synthesis, not a clinical trial demonstrating an intervention.
Cossarizza A et al.Ageing Res Rev · 2026 Sep 03 (online) PMID: 42692089Publication details
The silent infection load: How lifelong asymptomatic infections may contribute to inflammaging as an evolutionary trade-off of longevity.
Cossarizza A et al. Ageing Res Rev. 2026 Sep 03 [published online]. 122:103340. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2026.103340.
Sirtuins, NAD+ and potential targets for immunosenescence
The review connects sirtuin signaling with NAD+ metabolism, mitochondrial function, and inflammatory pathways in immune aging. NAD+ precursors and sirtuin activators remain investigational: encouraging preclinical findings have not yet established clinically meaningful immune benefits in humans. The authors call for stronger trials and long-term safety evaluation.
Calabrò A et al.Expert Opin Ther Targets · 2026 Sep 25 (online) PMID: 42781918Publication details
Sirtuin signaling as therapeutic targets of immunosenescence.
Calabrò A et al. Expert Opin Ther Targets. 2026 Sep 25 [published online]. doi: 10.1080/14728222.2026.2737637.
This review explores communication between the aging immune system and organs, including the brain, gut, and joints. It discusses algal bioactives and other nutritional approaches as potential research strategies, with attention to absorption and delivery challenges. It does not demonstrate that supplements reverse immune aging in humans.
Thilagavathy R et al.Int Rev Immunol · 2026 Sep 16 (online) PMID: 42747250Publication details
Immunosenescence and immune-organ axis dysfunction: Potential of algal bioactives and nutritional interventions for healthy ageing.
Thilagavathy R et al. Int Rev Immunol. 2026 Sep 16 [published online]. doi: 10.1080/08830185.2026.2729156.
NAD+ dysregulation and senescent T cells in colitis
Experimental and patient analyses link NAD+ dysregulation to mitochondrial dysfunction and senescent CD8+ T cells in ulcerative colitis. Senolytic treatment reduced disease severity in the experimental model. The patient signature correlated with severe disease and biologic non-response; this does not establish a senolytic treatment benefit in humans.
Ye M et al.Aging Cell · 2026 Sep PMID: 42717261Publication details
NAD+ Metabolic Reprogramming Drives CD8+ T Cells Senescence and Exacerbates Ulcerative Colitis.
Ye M et al. Aging Cell. 2026 Sep. 25(9):e70706. doi: 10.1111/acel.70706.
In adults aged 50+, the higher-dose adjuvanted influenza vaccine improved antibody responses versus the egg-derived adjuvanted comparator. Results differed against the recombinant comparator.
In 1,769 older adults, healthier dietary patterns were associated with selected favorable blood biomarkers. The observational study does not establish that diet reverses immune aging.
Targeting BIRC6 improved immune-cell production and vaccine responses in mice, with effects in human donor cells. Clinical benefits in people have not been established.
Sirtuin and NAD+ pathways are investigational targets. Reviews and colitis research link metabolism with immune-cell senescence, without proving that supplements rejuvenate human immunity.
