A reduced number of naive T cells along with an accumulation of differentiated cell types in aging have been described but little is known about the polyfunctionality of the T cell responses. In this study we compared the individual and polyfunctional expression of IFN-gamma, MIP-1alpha, TNF-alpha, perforin, and IL-2 by T cell subsets, including the newly described stem cell like memory T cells (TSCM), in response to stimulation with superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in older (median age 80, n = 23) versus younger (median age 27; n = 23) adults.
Results:
Older age was associated with a markedly lower frequency of CD8+ naive T cells (11% vs.
47%; p
45%; p = 0.02). There were no differences in frequencies or polyfunctional profiles of TSCM between groups.
CD8+ naive cells in the older group had increased expression of all functional parameters measured compared to the younger subjects and exhibited greater polyfunctionality (p = 0.04). CD4+ naive T cells in the older group also showed greater polyfunctionality with a TNF-alpha and IL-2 predominance (p = 0.005).
CD8+ effector memory and effector T cells exhibited increased polyfunctionality in the older group compared with younger (p = 0.01 and p = 0.003).
Conclusions:
These data suggest that aging does not have a negative effect on polyfunctionality and therefore this is likely not a major contributor to the immunesenescence described with aging.
Author: Puja Van EppsRichard BanksHtin AungMichael R BettsDavid H Canaday
Credits/Source: Immunity Ageing 2014, 11:14
Published on: 2014-10-23
Tweet
News Provider: 7thSpace Interactive / EUPB Press Office
Social Bookmarking
RETWEET This! | Digg this! | Post to del.icio.us | Post to Furl | Add to Netscape | Add to Yahoo! | Rojo
There are no comments available. Be the first to write a comment.