Function of T cells from elderly humans: reductions of membrane events and proliferative responses mediated via T3 determinants and diminished elaboration of soluble T-cell factors for B-cell growth.
The abilities of T cells from young and elderly humans to cap membrane T3 determinants, proliferate in response to anti-OKT3 antibody, and elaborate soluble factors required for the growth of B-cell colonies were investigated. The results showed that T cells from approximately 50 to 80% of elderly subjects had reductions in ligand-induced T3-mediated membrane events and proliferative responses in addition to decreased elaboration of soluble B-cell growth factors. Thus, these previously unrecognized abnormalities in T cells might contribute to the decline of immunocompetence observed among some elderly humans.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology*; D003078:Colchicine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000032:analysis; D003571:Cytochalasin B / Q000494:pharmacology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000032:analysis*; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D007152:Immunologic Capping; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007700:Kinetics; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000032:analysis*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D006133:Growth Substances; D007376:Interleukin-2; D008222:Lymphokines; D015847:Interleukin-4; D003571:Cytochalasin B; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D003078:Colchicine