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E-rosettes in aging: meta-analysis of the literature
1Department of Internal Medicine, C.H.U. André Vésale, Montigny-le-Tilleul, Belgium.
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Aging leads to a slight decrease in peripheral E-rosette-forming cells but an increase in high-affinity E-rosettes. This suggests changes in immune cell function with age, potentially due to cell surface properties.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Aging impacts immune system function, including T-cell markers.
- E-rosette formation is a measure of T-lymphocyte activity and interaction with erythrocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analyze the literature on age-related changes in peripheral E-rosette-forming cells.
- To investigate the differential effects of aging on total and high-affinity E-rosettes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of published studies.
- Analysis of reported data on E-rosette-forming cell counts in elderly versus younger populations.
Main Results:
- A small but significant decline in peripheral E-rosette-forming cells was observed with aging.
- High-affinity E-rosettes (active or early rosettes) showed a significant increase in the elderly.
Conclusions:
- Aging is associated with a complex shift in E-rosette-forming cell populations, not a uniform decline.
- Observed changes may relate to altered cell surface properties or capping behavior, with potential for Type II errors in previous studies.