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Shaping of NK cell subsets by aging.

Rafael Solana1, Carmen Campos1, Alejandra Pera1

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Aging alters natural killer (NK) cell subsets, decreasing CD56bright and increasing CD56-CD16+ cells. Persistent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection also impacts NK cells, particularly in the elderly.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Gerontology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for innate immunity against viral infections and tumors.
  • Age and persistent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection are known to influence NK cell populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate age-associated changes in NK cell subsets.
  • To investigate the role of persistent CMV infection in shaping the NK cell compartment in the elderly.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of NK cell subsets based on CD56 and CD16 expression.
  • Comparison of NK cell profiles in elderly individuals with and without CMV infection.

Main Results:

  • Aging significantly redistributes NK cell subsets, characterized by a decrease in CD56bright and an increase in CD56-CD16+ NK cells.
  • Changes in CD56dimCD16+ NK cells align with the accumulation of CD57+ long-lived NK cells, also seen in young CMV-seropositive individuals.
  • NK cell function and dynamics in the elderly are influenced by both age and pathogen exposure, notably CMV.

Conclusions:

  • Aging is the primary driver of NK cell subset redistribution, independent of CMV.
  • Persistent CMV infection contributes to specific NK cell profiles, particularly the accumulation of CD57+ cells, which are also observed in younger individuals.
  • NK cell behavior in the elderly is a complex interplay of aging and cumulative pathogen exposure, with CMV being a significant factor.