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Phenotypic and functional changes of circulating monocytes and polymorphonuclear leucocytes from elderly persons.
Massimo De Martinis1, Marco Modesti, Lia Ginaldi
1Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi de L'Aquila, Italia. demartinis@cc.univaq.it
Immunology and Cell Biology
|July 31, 2004
Summary
Immune cell adhesion molecules CD50 and CD62L change with aging. Elderly individuals show altered CD62L and CD50 expression on granulocytes and monocytes, impacting immune function and infection susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Immune function declines with age (immunosenescence).
- Leukocyte adhesion molecules (CAMs) are crucial for immune cell functions.
- Age-related changes in CAMs may contribute to immune dysfunction in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in CD50 and CD62L expression on monocytes and granulocytes.
- To understand the role of these changes in immune dysregulation during senescence.
Main Methods:
- Studied peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes from healthy elderly and young subjects.
- Analyzed the expression and density of CD50 and CD62L adhesion molecules on these cells.
Main Results:
- Elderly showed decreased percentage of CD62L-expressing cells, but unchanged density.
- Granulocytes in the elderly had downregulated CD50 density.
- Monocytes showed decreased CD50 density but an increased number of positive cells.
- Altered CD50 and CD62L expression suggests in vivo activation and impaired cell adhesion.
Conclusions:
- Age-related changes in CD50 and CD62L impact innate immunity and immune cell function.
- Downregulation of CD50 on granulocytes may contribute to inflammation.
- Altered CD50 and CD62L expression in the elderly may increase susceptibility to infections.