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Altered major histocompatibility complex-restricted antigen recognition by T cells from elderly humans
R Schwab1, C Russo, M E Weksler
1Department of Medicine, Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY 10021.
European Journal of Immunology
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Aging alters T cell recognition of antigens. Elderly individuals show increased T cell responses to foreign cells, suggesting changes in immune system aging and T cell receptor distribution.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Aging Research
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- T cell recognition of antigens is typically restricted by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules.
- Thymus gland involution with age may lead to altered T cell antigen recognition in elderly humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in T cell proliferation and antigen recognition.
- To compare T cell responses to influenza antigens in young versus aged individuals.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of T cell proliferative responses from aged and young donors.
- Analysis of T cell clones recognizing influenza determinants presented by autologous and allogeneic antigen-presenting cells (APCs).
- Assessment of T cell receptor (TCR) expression (alpha/beta vs. gamma/delta) on T cell clones.
Main Results:
- T cells from most aged donors, but few young donors, responded to influenza antigens presented by allogeneic APCs.
- Half of influenza-specific T cell clones from aged donors, unlike those from young donors, were activated by allogeneic APCs.
- MHC-nonrestricted T cell clones predominantly expressed gamma/delta TCR (80%), with a minority expressing alpha/beta TCR (20%).
Conclusions:
- Aging is associated with significant changes in MHC-restricted antigen recognition by T cells.
- The distribution of alpha/beta and gamma/delta T cell receptor-bearing T cell clones is altered with aging.