Effect of age on epidermal immune function.

Like other systems in the body, the immune system deteriorates with age. Age-related changes in epidermal immune function include morphologic and functional changes in Langerhans cells, decreased production and response to epidermal thymocyte-activating factor (ETAF), and altered allergic contact dermatitis. These may be primary age-related changes in epidermal immune function or may be secondary to aging of the organism. In either case, the age-related changes in epidermal immunity may contribute to the increased susceptibility to cutaneous infections and neoplasms with advancing age.