Author(s)

H. Iwai^1*, M. Inaba², D. B. Van¹, K. Suzuki¹, T. Sakagami¹, Y. Yun¹, Y. Kobayashi¹, A. Kanda¹

¹Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
²First Department of Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.

Although congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) in the bilateral cochleae mainly results from genetic abnormalities, chronic SHL progressing in later life is often influenced by systemic immune disturbances, including autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, and immunosenescence. We have investigated the relationship between the inner ear and systemic immunity and reviewed the possibilities to prevent SHL, including autoimmune SHL and age-related SHL. We also demonstrated two lymphocyte populations, interleukin 1 receptor type II (IL-1R2)-positive T cells (T1R2) and naturally occurring regulatory T cells (nTregs) in CD4+ T cells, which increase with aging, suppress host immune function and promote organ degeneration. Alterations in systemic immunity by fewer microbial antigen challenges in the living environment, elimination of immune suppressive lymphocytes, or immune rejuvenation with a reconstituted thymus may contribute not only to renew the cochlear function in SHL, but also to extend the healthy life of functional organs in a vigorous and youthful body, one of humanity’s greatest dreams.

Autoimmune Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Age-Related Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Inflammation, Immune Senescence, Interleukin 1 Receptor Type II-Positive T Cells, Naturally Occurring Regulatory T Cells, Immune Rejuvenation, Thymus

Iwai, H. , Inaba, M. , Van, D. , Suzuki, K. , Sakagami, T. , Yun, Y. , Kobayashi, Y. and Kanda, A. (2019) Prevention of Hearing Loss by Alteration of the Systemic Immune System. Advances in Aging Research, 8, 29-41. doi: 10.4236/aar.2019.82003.