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T cell receptor V-segment frequencies in aged individuals
M Ruiz1, B Esparza, M Barranquero
1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad del País Vasco, Bilbao, Spain.
Immunological Investigations
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Aging does not significantly alter T cell receptor (TCR) V alpha and V beta repertoire usage, except for the V beta 8 subfamily. This finding suggests T cell specificity remains largely intact with age.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The T cell receptor (TCR) is crucial for adaptive immunity, mediating T cell responses.
- Aging is associated with changes in immune function, termed immunosenescence.
- Understanding TCR repertoire usage in aging is vital for assessing immune system health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the T cell receptor (TCR) V alpha and V beta repertoire usage in aging subjects.
- To compare the frequency of T cells bearing specific V alpha and V beta epitopes between old and control individuals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized seven distinct monoclonal antibodies targeting specific regions of the TCR.
- Analyzed the frequency of T cells expressing defined V alpha and V beta epitopes.
- Compared epitope frequencies between a cohort of aging subjects and younger controls.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in the frequency of T cells expressing most studied V alpha and V beta epitopes between old and control subjects.
- A notable exception was the V beta 8 subfamily, which showed altered frequencies in aging individuals.
- The overall T cell receptor repertoire appears largely preserved in aging, with specific subfamilies potentially affected.
Conclusions:
- Aging subjects exhibit largely preserved T cell receptor (TCR) V alpha and V beta repertoire usage compared to controls.
- The V beta 8 subfamily represents a potential marker for age-related changes in TCR usage.
- These findings contribute to understanding immune system dynamics during the aging process.