Toward precision interventions and metrics of inflammaging

Inflammaging describes a chronic, systemic, low-grade inflammatory state that is recognized as a major risk factor for age-related diseases (ARDs) and a pivotal convergence point of multiple biological mechanisms involved in aging. Here, we discuss the heterogeneity of inflammaging, proposing that it emerges as a consequence of each individual’s lifelong exposures to inflammatory stimuli, shaped by a unique combination of genetics, lifestyle, socioeconomic conditions and environmental factors such as infections and pollution. Through this lens, we then discuss measuring inflammaging, describing the development of inflammatory clocks that quantify inflammatory age and show strong associations with ARD incidence as well as how other aging clocks intersect with inflammaging. Finally, we consider interventions that may counteract inflammaging, including nutritional interventions, physical activity and gerotherapies such as senolytics. We propose that deepening our knowledge of the individual nature of inflammaging stands to enhance our understanding of personalized aging trajectories and inform precision interventions. Inflammaging is a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state that is closely linked to aging; yet it is highly heterogeneous. Within the framework of personalized medicine, Franceschi and colleagues discuss measuring and treating inflammaging, highlighting the need for precision interventions.