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Are immunosenescent T cells really senescent?
Helena Slaets1,2, Naomi Veeningen1,2, Peter L J de Keizer3
1Neuro-Immune Connections and Repair Lab, Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
Aging Cell
|August 8, 2024
Summary
Aging impairs T-cell function, increasing chronic disease risk. This review differentiates immunosenescent T cells and cellular senescence, crucial for developing targeted therapies against age-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- T-cell dysfunction is a hallmark of aging, elevating chronic disease risk.
- Immunosenescent T cells (reduced CD28/CD27, increased KLRG-1/CD57) may drive autoimmunity.
- T-cell exhaustion impairs immunity against infections and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify distinctions and overlaps between cellular senescence and T-cell senescence (immunosenescence and exhaustion).
- To inform the development of targeted therapies for age-related pathologies stemming from T-cell dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cellular senescence.
- Comparative analysis of immunosenescent T cells and exhausted T cells.
- Examination of hallmarks and functional characteristics.
Main Results:
- Cellular senescence involves irreparable damage and pro-inflammatory factor secretion.
- Immunosenescent T cells exhibit altered surface markers and potential for autoimmunity.
- Exhausted T cells lose effector functions due to chronic antigen exposure.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the nuances of cellular senescence versus T-cell senescence is critical.
- Therapeutic strategies must account for the distinct features of these aging-related cellular states.
- Targeting these processes holds promise for mitigating age-related diseases.
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