Regenerative function of immune system: Modulation of muscle stem cells

Highlights • Immune cells infiltrate damaged skeletal muscles to release cytokines, chemokines and growth factors into the localised area that alter the micro-environment to clear cellular debris and activate muscle satellite cells. • In young adults, the factors released by T-cells, in particular the regulatory T-cells, can extend the period of satellite cell proliferation to enhance muscle repair. • In old adults, the T-cells do not release appropriate factors into the micro-environment and this may contribute to inadequate muscle recovery and consequently, to age-related deficits in muscle size and function. • Identification of the factors released by young immune cells to regulate muscle regeneration could lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents to treat muscle wasting disorders and ageing.