Cell-mediated immunity in aged mice: an underlying lesion in IL 2 synthesis.
It is well established that immune potential declines with age and that aged animals are unable to mount vigorous cell-mediated immune responses. Production of the lymphokine, Interleukin 2 (IL 2) in response to the T cell mitogen concanavalin A or allogeneic stimulation is also diminished in aged individuals. This lesion in IL 2 synthesis in aged mice underlies their deficiency in cell-mediated responses. Mixed lymphocyte responses, cell-mediated lympholysis, and antigen-induced T cell proliferation are all markedly enhanced by supplementation with this lymphokine.
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL / Q000276:immunology*; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D007376:Interleukin-2; D008222:Lymphokines