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Updated: May 7, 2026

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
The Th17/Treg balance is disturbed during aging.
Vanessa Schmitt1, Lothar Rink, Peter Uciechowski
1Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
Aging alters immune cells, increasing pro-inflammatory T helper 17 (TH17) cells and decreasing regulatory T cells (Tregs). This imbalance in older adults may heighten susceptibility to inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Aging leads to immunosenescence and inflammaging, affecting immune cell function.
- T helper 17 (TH17) cells are linked to autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases.
- The interplay between TH17 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in human aging is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the age-related changes in TH17 cells and Tregs in healthy human donors.
- To analyze the balance and cytokine production of TH17 and Treg cells across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Quantified TH17 (CD4+ IL23R+) and Treg (CD4+ Foxp3+) cell proportions.
- Measured Interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-10 production.
- Analyzed TH17/Treg ratios and gene/protein expression in four age groups.
Main Results:
- Basal CD4+ IL23R+ cell counts increased with age.
- Older individuals showed higher basal TH17 cells and reduced Tregs.
- Stimulation led to an age-dependent decrease in the TH17/Treg ratio, with increased Foxp3 mRNA and IL-10.
Conclusions:
- Aging disrupts the balance between pro-inflammatory TH17 cells and anti-inflammatory Tregs.
- Altered cytokine profiles and TH17/Treg ratios during aging may promote inflammation.
- These immune changes increase susceptibility to inflammatory diseases in older adults.
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