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Immune function and vaccine responses in healthy advanced elderly patients
P J Carson1, K L Nichol, J O'Brien
1Infectious Disease Section (Campus Box 111F), Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1 Veterans Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA. janof001@tc.umn.edu.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|July 11, 2000
Summary
Healthy aging is linked to robust immune function. Elderly individuals with good health maintained immune cell counts and vaccine responses comparable to younger adults, suggesting preserved immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Immune function typically declines with age.
- Few studies have examined the immune status of the advanced elderly, especially those aging healthily.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if advanced age achieved with good health correlates with preserved immune function.
Main Methods:
- Compared in vivo and in vitro immune function in healthy elderly (mean age 80) and young (mean age 29) adults.
- Assessed immune cell counts, serum immunoglobulin levels, and responses to vaccines (tetanus, diphtheria, pneumococcal).
- Evaluated in vitro proliferative responses and cytokine production.
Main Results:
- Elderly and young subjects had similar white blood cell counts, lymphocyte subsets, and total IgG/IgM levels.
- Elderly subjects had higher serum IgA levels.
- Both groups demonstrated comparable, vigorous immune responses to protein and polysaccharide vaccines.
- In vitro immune cell function, including proliferation and tumor necrosis factor alpha production, was similar between groups.
Conclusions:
- Successful aging, characterized by good overall health in advanced age, appears associated with preserved immune function.
- Healthy elderly individuals exhibit adequate immune responses to vaccinations.