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Age-associated changes of T lymphocyte subsets
R P Falcão1, S J Ismael, E A Donadi
1Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Insights
Peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets in children show age-related increases in absolute numbers, particularly T3, T4, and T8 cells, while percentages remain similar to adults. Elderly individuals
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatric Hematology
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- T lymphocytes play a crucial role in immune responses.
- Understanding age-related changes in T lymphocyte subsets is vital for assessing immune function across the lifespan.
- Previous studies have indicated potential variations in lymphocyte populations during early development and aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare the percentages and absolute numbers of T lymphocyte subsets (T3, T4, T6, T8, T10) in peripheral blood across different age groups: children, adults, and the elderly.
- To identify age-specific patterns and significant differences in T lymphocyte populations.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood samples were collected from 100 children (3 days–10 years), 29 adults (18–59 years), and 30 elderly individuals (60–98 years).
- Flow cytometry was used to determine the percentage and absolute counts of T3, T4, T6, T8, and T10 lymphocyte subsets.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare the groups.
Main Results:
- The percentage of T lymphocyte subsets and the T4/T8 ratio did not significantly differ between children, elderly individuals, and adults, with a notable exception of higher T4 lymphocyte proportion in neonates (3 days old).
- Absolute counts of total lymphocytes, T3, and T8 lymphocytes were elevated in children up to 6 years.
- Absolute counts of T4 lymphocytes increased up to 2 years, T6 lymphocytes from 1–2 years, and T10 lymphocytes up to 2 years in children.
- No significant differences were observed in lymphocyte subsets between elderly individuals and adults.
Conclusions:
- While T lymphocyte subset percentages are largely conserved across ages, absolute numbers exhibit significant developmental changes in childhood.
- Absolute T lymphocyte counts in children demonstrate distinct patterns of increase related to specific age windows.
- Immune profiles, specifically T lymphocyte subsets, appear stable between healthy adults and the elderly population.
Abstract:
The percentage and the absolute number of T3, T4, T6, T8, and T10 lymphocytes of the peripheral blood were determined in 100 children (3 days to 10 years), 29 adults (18 to 59 years), and 30 elderly individuals (60 to 98 years). The percentage of the various T lymphocyte subsets and T4/T8 lymphocyte ratio for the children and elderly did not differ statistically from adults, except for the proportion of T4 lymphocytes which was higher in the subgroup with 3 days of age. The absolute number of total lymphocytes, T3 and T8 lymphocytes was increased in children up to the age of 6 years while the number of T4 lymphocytes was increased up to the age of 2 years. Increased numbers of T6 lymphocytes were detected in children from 1 to 2 years of age while the number of T10 lymphocytes was increased in children up to the age of 2 years. Finally there was no difference between the results observed in elderly individuals and adults.