Proliferative responses of blood mononuclear cells (BMNC) in a cohort of elderly humans: role of lymphocyte phenotype and cytokine production.
Age-related impaired T cell function is associated with increased mortality risk. The purpose of the present study was therefore to identify factors associated with the age-related decreased phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-induced proliferative response of lymphocytes in a cohort of 174 81-year-old humans and in 91 young controls. Decreased proliferation was associated with a reduced number of true naive CD4+ cells (CD62L+CD45RO-). Furthermore, a low IL-2-stimulated proliferation was correlated with a decreased PHA response in the elderly cohort, whereas reciprocal interactions of IL-10- and IL-2-producing cells were of importance in both elderly and young subjects. Accordingly, a minimum of true naive CD4+ cells was required for a normal proliferative response to PHA, perhaps by providing sufficient IL-2 which is critical for growth of naive as well as memory cells.
Bruunsgaard
H
H
Department of Infectious Diseases, H:S, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. infdishb@rh.dk
Pedersen
A N
AN
Schroll
M
M
Skinhøj
P
P
Pedersen
B K
BK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000276:immunology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D016207:Cytokines