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C4, BF, C3 allele distribution and complement activity in healthy aged people and centenarians

D Bellavia1, G Fradà, P Di Franco

  • 1Department of Immunology, University of Palermo, Italy.

The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences
|April 28, 1999
PubMed

Insights

The complement system remains robust in centenarians and the elderly. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class III alleles show similar distribution across aged and young healthy individuals, indicating preserved immune function.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • The complement system is crucial for innate immunity.
  • Aging may impact immune system components like complement and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) alleles.
  • Understanding these changes is vital for assessing health in aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the complement system status in centenarians and elderly individuals.
  • To analyze the distribution of specific Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class III alleles (C4, BF) in aged cohorts.
  • To compare complement component levels and functional activities between aged and younger populations.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of complement component levels (C3, C4) and hemolytic activity (CH50, AP50).
  • Genotyping of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class III alleles, including C4 and BF.
  • Statistical comparison of allele frequencies and complement levels between centenarians, elderly, and young healthy individuals.

Main Results:

  • Complement component levels (C3, C4) and functional activities (CH50, AP50) were within normal ranges in the elderly and centenarians.
  • Frequencies of C3, BF, and C4A alleles were similar across studied age groups.
  • A non-significant trend for an increased C4B null allele (C4BQ0) was observed in the older cohort.

Conclusions:

  • The complement system appears well-preserved in centenarians and elderly subjects.
  • Class III HLA antigens exhibit similar distribution patterns in aged cohorts compared to younger individuals.
  • These findings suggest preserved immune function related to complement and HLA in healthy aging.

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