Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025
15:33
Adenoviral Transduction of Naive CD4 T Cells to Study Treg Differentiation
Published on: August 13, 2013
16.0K
The dark side of Tregs during aging
Martina Palatella1, Stephane M Guillaume2, Michelle A Linterman2
1Department Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.
Frontiers in Immunology
|August 26, 2022
Summary
The global population is aging, increasing susceptibility to infections and reducing vaccine efficacy. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) may play a detrimental role in older adults by suppressing immune responses and hindering vaccine effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Global population is aging, leading to increased susceptibility to age-related diseases.
- Immune system decline with age (immunosenescence) contributes to frailty in the elderly.
- Regulatory T cells (Tregs) increase in aged individuals, potentially impairing immune function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of Tregs in infections and vaccine responses in aging.
- To explore Treg-mediated suppression of immune responses against pathogens.
- To discuss strategies for modulating Tregs to improve vaccine efficacy in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Tregs in aging, infections, and vaccination.
- Analysis of evidence from human and mouse models.
- Synthesis of current understanding and future research directions.
Main Results:
- Accumulating evidence suggests Tregs increase in aged individuals' lymphoid organs.
- Tregs may suppress immune responses to infections and reduce vaccine effectiveness by limiting antibody production.
- Discrepancies exist regarding Treg functional changes during aging.
Conclusions:
- Tregs may have a detrimental role in the elderly, impacting infection control and vaccination.
- Modulating Tregs presents a potential strategy to enhance vaccine efficacy in aging populations.
- Further research is needed to fully understand Treg function and therapeutic potential.
Related Concept Videos
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
1.3K
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
1.3K
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
2.3K
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
2.3K
01:26Aging
163
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
163
02:15Replicative Cell Senescence
3.7K
Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds...
3.7K
01:01Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
3.3K
All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
3.3K
01:28Inflammatory Response
5.4K
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
5.4K