Regulatory T cells and the immune aging process: a mini-review
Ann Jagger1, Yasuhiro Shimojima, Jorg J Goronzy
1Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif., USA.
Gerontology
|December 4, 2013
Summary
Aging profoundly impacts regulatory T cells (Tregs), altering immune function. Understanding these changes in older adults is crucial for addressing inflammation, autoimmunity, and age-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- The immune system undergoes significant remodeling after age 50 due to antigen exposure and cell turnover.
- Immunosenescence, the aging of the immune system, affects various immune cell subsets differently.
- Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in maintaining immune homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of aging on the frequencies, distribution, and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs).
- To explore the consequences of age-related Treg dysfunction on immune responses in the elderly.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets within Treg populations for immunomodulation in aging.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Treg frequencies and subset distribution in aging populations.
- Assessment of the functional competence of young versus aged Tregs.
- Investigation into the mechanisms underlying age-dependent changes in Treg inducibility.
Main Results:
- Aging significantly affects Treg frequencies, subset distribution, and functional capabilities.
- Some Treg populations, like naturally occurring Tregs, may accumulate with age, while others, like inducible Tregs, may decrease.
- Age-related Treg dysfunction is linked to chronic inflammation, increased autoimmunity, and diminished immunity against infections and cancer.
Conclusions:
- Age-related changes in Tregs contribute to both excessive immunity (inflammation, autoimmunity) and failing immunity (infections, cancer) in the elderly.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the functional competence of aged Tregs and the mechanisms of Treg decline.
- Targeting Tregs offers a promising therapeutic avenue to improve immune function and mitigate age-associated diseases in older adults.
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