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Mechanisms underlying T cell ageing.
Jörg J Goronzy1,2, Cornelia M Weyand3,4
1Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. jgoronzy@stanford.edu.
Nature Reviews. Immunology
|June 13, 2019
Summary
T cell ageing increases vulnerability to infections and cancer in older adults. Understanding self-renewal, quiescence, and senescence is key to preventing age-related T cell failure and improving immune function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Ageing compromises the immune system, increasing susceptibility to diseases and reducing vaccine efficacy.
- Peripheral human T cells are accessible for studying age-related changes and immune function.
- Existing tools allow detailed examination of T cell biology and ageing pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging concepts in maintaining a functional T cell compartment during ageing.
- To focus on fundamental ageing processes affecting T cells: self-renewal, quiescence, and senescence.
- To identify targets for interventions against age-related T cell dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on T cell ageing.
- Analysis of key ageing pathways: self-renewal, quiescence, and senescence.
- Examination of consequences for T cell function in older individuals.
Main Results:
- Ageing impacts T cell self-renewal, potentially leading to reduced T cell numbers.
- Dysregulation of cellular quiescence affects T cell readiness and responsiveness.
- Accumulation of senescent T cells contributes to immune dysfunction and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Understanding T cell ageing mechanisms is crucial for immune health in older populations.
- Targeting self-renewal, quiescence, and senescence pathways may restore T cell function.
- Developing interventions can combat age-related T cell failure and enhance immunity.
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