Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
09:17
A DNA/Ki67-Based Flow Cytometry Assay for Cell Cycle Analysis of Antigen-Specific CD8 T Cells in Vaccinated Mice
Published on: January 5, 2021
CD153 promotes B-cell responses to immunization in aged mice
Alyssa L Thomas1,2,3, Joseph A Wayman2,4, Maha Almanan2
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Aging dysregulates CD4+ T cells. Aged T follicular helper (Tfh) cells show increased CD153 expression via an IL-6/c-MAF pathway, enhancing their function despite overall immune decline.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Aging research
- Cellular immunology
Background:
- Homeostatic immune dysregulation occurs in CD4+ memory T-cells with age.
- Understanding these age-related changes is crucial for immune health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms behind CD4+ T-cell dysregulation in aged mice.
- To identify specific cell populations and molecular pathways involved in age-related immune changes.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive single-cell genomic analysis of CD4+ T cells from young and aged mice.
- Flow cytometry to confirm protein expression levels.
- Pharmacologic inhibition and antibody blockade experiments.
Main Results:
- Identified 16 CD4+ T-cell populations, including Tfh subsets.
- Discovered age-increased CD153 expression on Tfh cells, driven by IL-6 and c-MAF.
- CD153 blockade reduced Tfh cell function and B-cell responses.
Conclusions:
- An IL-6/c-MAF circuit elevates CD153 on aged Tfh cells, enhancing their function.
- This mechanism may counteract the general decline in Tfh-mediated B-cell responses with age.
