Effects of aging on T cell function

Curr Opin Immunol. 2009 Aug;21(4):414-7. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2009.05.009. Epub 2009 Jun 6.

Abstract

Immunosenescence influences many components of the immune system. Most importantly, profound changes in T cell function are evident in older individuals. The impact of aging on specific T cell subsets has been difficult to examine, but recent advances in murine model systems and new insights into T cell function have allowed for the more precise examination of how T cell responses change with aging. Importantly, recent studies have shown that age-related enhancement of both Th17 generation and regulatory T cell function may contribute to significant changes in immune function. In this review, we summarize the current views on how aging influences the factors that impact T cell function and how this can affect the immune response to infections, vaccinations, and tumors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Bacterial Infections / immunology
  • Bacterial Infections / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Interleukin-17 / immunology
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / pathology
  • Vaccination
  • Virus Diseases / immunology
  • Virus Diseases / prevention & control

Substances

  • Interleukin-17