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The effect of age on antigen-sensitive cells
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|May 1, 1975
Summary
Cellular immune responses in aged mice remain robust, showing lymphocyte proliferation similar to younger mice. However, the specific lymphocyte populations responding to antigens may differ with age, indicating potential shifts in immune cell function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Humoral immune responses to foreign antigens typically decrease in mice after 12 months of age.
- Understanding age-related changes in cellular immunity is crucial for comprehending immune system aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cellular immune response to histocompatibility antigens in aged mice compared to young mice.
- To investigate potential differences in lymphocyte populations responsible for cellular immune responses in aging.
Main Methods:
- Lymph node lymphocytes were isolated from young (3 months) and aged (12-27 months) mice.
- Cellular responses, including transformation into large pyroninophilic cells and proliferation, were assessed after antigen exposure.
Main Results:
- Lymphocytes from aged mice demonstrated comparable transformation and proliferation capabilities to those from young mice.
- Analysis of intermediate age groups suggested that the responding lymphocyte populations in aged mice might differ from those in young mice.
Conclusions:
- Cellular immune responses, specifically lymphocyte proliferation, are maintained in aged mice.
- Aging may involve a shift in the specific lymphocyte subsets mediating cellular immune responses to antigens.