Immunophenotypic characteristics of monocytes in elderly subjects
P Stohlawetz1, P Hahn, M Köller
1Department of Rheumatology, University of Vienna, and Hospital Barmherzige Schwestern, Austria.
Scandinavian Journal of Immunology
|September 22, 1998
Summary
Ageing significantly increases four surface markers on monocytes, including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54). These changes in immune cells of elderly individuals may link to age-related immune system alterations like autoimmunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Ageing is associated with significant alterations in the immune system.
- Monocytes play a crucial role in immune responses and are affected by ageing.
- Understanding changes in monocyte surface markers is key to comprehending immune senescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ageing on the expression of surface markers in peripheral blood monocytes.
- To compare surface marker expression in monocytes from healthy young and elderly individuals.
- To identify specific monocyte surface markers that change with age.
Main Methods:
- Study included 28 healthy young and 28 elderly subjects meeting SENIEUR protocol criteria.
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from participants.
- Double-color flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of various surface markers on monocytes (CD14+ cells).
Main Results:
- Elderly subjects showed significantly increased mean fluorescence intensity for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54), CD29, CD45RO, and CD32 on CD14+ cells compared to young subjects.
- No significant differences in the expression of CD11a, CD11b, CD15, CD26, CD27, CD33, CD45RA, CD45RB, CD49d, HLA-DR, and CD65 were observed between the groups.
- A significant upregulation of four specific monocyte surface markers was identified in the elderly cohort.
Conclusions:
- Ageing leads to a significant increase in the expression of CD54, CD29, CD45RO, and CD32 on peripheral blood monocytes.
- These age-related changes in monocyte surface markers could be associated with immune phenomena observed in ageing, such as autoimmunity.
- The findings provide insights into the immunological shifts occurring during the ageing process.
