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Age dependent changes in some human lymphocyte sub-populations. Changes in natural killer cell activity
Acta Pathologica Et Microbiologica Scandinavica. Section C, Immunology
|February 1, 1981
Summary
Natural killer (NK) cell activity in elderly individuals was higher than in young adults. However, when measured per milliliter of blood, no significant age-related differences in NK cell function were observed.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for innate immunity.
- Aging can impact immune cell function, including NK cell activity.
- Understanding age-related changes in NK cells is vital for immune health in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-dependent changes in natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity.
- To compare NK cell activity between healthy elderly individuals and young adults.
- To explore the relationship between NK cell activity and Fc receptor expression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the K 562 cell line as a target in a 51Cr release assay.
- Compared peripheral blood lymphocytes from 15 healthy elderly individuals (76-93 yrs) with 15 sex-matched young adults (20-39 yrs).
- Assessed NK cell activity and quantified Fc receptor-bearing lymphocytes, including Fc receptor-positive T cells (gamma T cells).
Main Results:
- Elderly individuals demonstrated higher NK cell cytotoxicity compared to young adults in paired analyses (p = 0.008).
- No significant difference in NK cell activity was found when expressed as lytic units per ml of blood between age groups.
- NK cell activity positively correlated with the proportion of lymphocytes expressing Fc receptors for IgG, with elevated levels in the elderly.
Conclusions:
- While raw NK cell cytotoxicity may appear higher in the elderly, overall functional capacity per volume of blood remains comparable to younger adults.
- Increased Fc receptor expression on lymphocytes in the elderly may contribute to observed cytotoxic differences.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the functional implications of age-related changes in NK cell receptor expression and activity.