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Related Experiment Videos

Changes in the B-cell repertoire with age.

M E Weksler1

  • 1Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA. weksler@med.cornell.edu

Vaccine
|February 26, 2000
PubMed
Summary

Aging alters B-cell immunity, favoring autoantibodies over foreign antigen responses. This shift, driven by changes in B-cell populations and T-cell function, reduces antibody diversity and effectiveness in older adults.

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The effect of age on the B-cell repertoire.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Aging Research
  • Autoimmunity

Background:

  • Aging significantly impacts the immune system, particularly B-cell function and antibody production.
  • A decline in conventional B2 lymphocytes and a rise in B1 lymphocytes are observed with age.
  • This immune dysregulation is linked to increased autoantibodies and reduced antibody diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the age-associated changes in the B-cell repertoire and antibody production.
  • To investigate the roles of B1 and B2 lymphocytes in age-related immune shifts.
  • To understand the impact of aging on antibody specificity, affinity, and diversity.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of B-cell populations (B1 vs. B2 lymphocytes) in aging.
  • Assessment of antibody specificities, focusing on shifts towards autologous antigens.
  • Evaluation of antibody affinity and isotype (IgG) following foreign antigen immunization.
  • Investigation of T-cell support for B-cell isotype switching and somatic mutation.

Main Results:

  • Aging leads to a shift in antibody specificities from foreign to self-antigens.
  • Increased numbers and activity of B1 lymphocytes correlate with higher autoantibody levels.
  • A decrease in antibody response diversity, particularly IgG and high-affinity antibodies, is observed post-immunization.
  • Impaired T-cell function in supporting B-cell maturation and antibody diversification was identified.

Conclusions:

  • Age-related immune changes favor autoimmunity and diminish adaptive immunity.
  • Reduced diversity and affinity of antibody responses compromise protection against foreign pathogens.
  • Impaired T-cell-dependent B-cell development in bone marrow and periphery underlies these aging-associated deficits.

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