Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
10:39
Advanced Imaging of Lung Homing Human Lymphocytes in an Experimental In Vivo Model of Allergic Inflammation Based on Light-sheet Microscopy
Published on: April 16, 2019
Aging and asthma - changes in CD45RA, CD29 and CD95 T cells subsets
A Todo-Bom1, A Mota-Pinto, V Alves
1ImmunoAllergology Department, Coimbra University Hospital, General Pathology Institute, Faculty of Medicine - University of Coimbra, Portugal. flcosta@netcabo.pt
Allergologia Et Immunopathologia
|April 22, 2011
Summary
Aging and asthma reduce naive T cells, crucial for infection defense. Elderly individuals and asthmatics show decreased naive cell markers (CD45RA) and altered apoptosis markers (CD95), indicating a poorer prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Aging leads to thymus involution, decreasing naive T cells and increasing effector-memory cells.
- Asthma, driven by environmental antigens, can deplete naive T cells and sustain activated T cells.
- Apoptosis is vital for immune system regulation, clearing activated and potentially harmful cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the imbalance of CD45RA (naive) and CD29 (memory) T cells during aging.
- To analyze changes in these T cell populations in elderly asthma patients.
- To assess the impact of aging and asthma on apoptosis susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Inclusion of elderly and young healthy volunteers, and elderly asthmatic patients.
- Skin prick tests and immunoglobulin E (IgE) level determination.
- Flow cytometry analysis of T cell markers: CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45RA, CD29, and CD95.
Main Results:
- Elevated serum IgE in allergic patients; increased CD4 cells in asthmatics.
- Significant decrease in CD45RA (naive) cells in the elderly, more pronounced in asthmatics.
- Increased CD29 (memory) cells in elderly healthy individuals; increased CD95 (apoptosis marker) with age, but decreased in asthmatics.
Conclusions:
- Reduced naive T cells in the elderly and asthmatics are poor prognostic indicators for infection defense.
- Altered apoptosis markers may contribute to the persistence of activated cells in chronic conditions like asthma.
- Imbalances in T cell populations and apoptosis regulation are key features of aging and asthma.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...