T cell ageing: effects of age on development, survival & function

Indian J Med Res. 2013 Nov;138(5):595-608.

Abstract

Age associated decline of the immune system continues to be a major health concern. All components of innate and adaptive immunity are adversely affected to lesser or greater extent by ageing resulting in an overall decline of immunocompetence. As a result in the aged population, there is increased susceptibility to infection, poor responses to vaccination, and increased incidence of autoreactivity. There is an increasing focus on the role of T cells during ageing because of their impact on the overall immune responses. A steady decline in the production of fresh naïve T cells, more restricted T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and weak activation of T cells are some of the effects of ageing. In this review we summarize our present understanding of the effects of ageing on naïve CD4 T cells and potential approaches for therapeutic interventions to restore protective immunity in the aged population.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity*
  • Aging / genetics*
  • Aging / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cellular Senescence / genetics
  • Cellular Senescence / immunology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism
  • Thymus Gland / immunology
  • Thymus Gland / pathology

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell