Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
08:40
Preparation of Tumor Antigen-loaded Mature Dendritic Cells for Immunotherapy
Published on: August 1, 2013
Ageing impairs the T cell response to dendritic cells
Jialu You1, Honglin Dong, Elizabeth R Mann
1Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, The University of Reading, Whiteknights PO Box 226, Reading RG6 6AP, UK.
Immunobiology
|April 16, 2013
Summary
Ageing impairs dendritic cell (DC) function, reducing their ability to stimulate T cells. Older adults' DCs produce fewer key cytokines and show diminished capacity to drive T cell proliferation and activation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for initiating adaptive T-cell immunity.
- The impact of ageing on DC-T cell interactions remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how ageing affects human blood-derived DC maturation, cytokine production, and their capacity to stimulate T cells.
Main Methods:
- Assessed cytokine production (TNF-α, IFN-γ) by DCs from young and old adults stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
- Evaluated DC maturation markers and co-stimulatory molecule expression.
- Utilized an allogeneic mixed leucocyte reaction (MLR) to assess DC-induced T cell proliferation, CD8+ T cell activation, and cytokine expression (IL-12, IFN-γ).
Main Results:
- Older DCs produced less TNF-α and IFN-γ in response to LPS but maintained maturation marker expression.
- DCs from older subjects induced reduced proliferation and CD8+ T cell activation in young T cells compared to young DCs.
- T cells from older individuals exhibited a weaker response to DC stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Ageing significantly impairs the ability of dendritic cells to effectively induce T cell activation.
- Reduced DC function in older adults contributes to diminished adaptive immune responses.
Related Concept Videos
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:22Antigen Presenting Cells
The immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that protects the body from foreign invaders. T cells, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in this process. They recognize and attack foreign substances, such as pathogens, that enter the body.
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...