16(th) IHIW: immunogenetics of aging.

Area of Science:

• Immunogenetics
• Gerontology
• Infectious Disease Immunology

Background:

• Aging is associated with immune system decline.
• Polymorphic immune response genes may influence senescence and lifespan.
• The Immunogenetics of Aging program investigates genetic factors in longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the contribution of immune genes to successful aging and extreme lifespan.
• To analyze the correlation between innate immunity genes (KIR, MBL2) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus in elderly populations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of KIR (Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors) and MBL2 (Mannose-binding lectin 2) gene haplotypes.
• Correlation analysis with CMV serostatus and antibody titers in elderly individuals.
• Inclusion of new populations and increased sample size in the 16th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop (IHIWS).

Main Results:

• Both activating and inhibitory KIR and MBL2 haplotypes are crucial for CMV infection control in the elderly.
• Prevalence of MBL2 haplotypes associated with protein absence (LYPB, LYQC, HYPD) was higher in elderly individuals with elevated CMV antibody titers.
• High CMV titers correlated with reduced frequencies of specific KIR haplotypes (KIR2DS5, A1B10) in the elderly.

Conclusions:

• KIR and MBL2 gene variants are potential predictive biomarkers for aging and longevity.
• Low or deficient MBL2 haplotypes and certain KIR variants' role in viral infections suggest potential for early CMV prophylaxis.
• These genetic markers may indicate individuals who could benefit from early intervention to promote a longer lifespan.