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Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
Published on: July 9, 2014
Immune responses to varicella-zoster in the aged
Archives of Internal Medicine
|February 1, 1982
Summary
Cellular immunity to varicella-zoster virus (VZ) declines with age after 40, impacting skin tests and lymphocyte responses. Humoral immunity, however, remains strong even in advanced age.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZ) causes chickenpox and shingles.
- Immune system function changes with aging.
- Understanding age-related immune changes is crucial for managing VZ reactivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in cellular and humoral immunity to varicella-zoster virus.
- To determine how immune responses to VZ change across the lifespan.
- To explore the relationship between immune status and VZ reactivation.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated skin test reactivity in a large population (6 months to 93 years).
- Assessed in vitro lymphocyte stimulation responses to VZ.
- Measured antibody levels using fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen.
- Correlated immune responses with age and history of zoster infections.
Main Results:
- Cellular immunity (skin tests) declined significantly after age 40.
- In vitro lymphocyte responses to VZ were positive until age 60.
- Antibody levels remained high into the 9th and 10th decades.
- Individuals with zoster reactivation showed diminished cellular responses.
Conclusions:
- Cellular immunity to VZ decreases with advancing age.
- Humoral immunity to VZ persists longer than cellular immunity.
- Age-related decline in cellular immunity may increase susceptibility to VZ reactivation (shingles).
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