LAUSR

ABSTRACT Immune cells with a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype increase in the blood of elderly individuals or individuals with age‐associated diseases or with infections. Although senescent immune cells do not proliferate, they are transcriptionally and metabolically active and affect the microenvironment through the secretion of pro‐inflammatory mediators. An age‐driven increase in senescent B, T and NK cells has been reported and the function of these cells has been characterized. Results published by different groups have demonstrated that cell senescence induces the accumulation of terminally‐differentiated cells characterized by the arrest of cell proliferation but with an active secretory profile which regulates their function through the activation of pathways integrating senescence and energy‐sensing signals. This review will focus on senescent B cells, their increase in aging, age‐associated conditions and infections. Similarities with other senescent immune cells will be presented and discussed. HIGHLIGHTSSenescent B cells increase with age.Their frequency in blood is negatively associated with a protective response against the influenza vaccine.Senescent B cells do not proliferate.They are transcriptionally active and express multiple SASP markers.Senescent B cells preferentially activate energy‐sensing signaling pathways.