Effects of aging on T cell function.
Immunosenescence influences many components of the immune system. Most importantly, profound changes in T cell function are evident in older individuals. The impact of aging on specific T cell subsets has been difficult to examine, but recent advances in murine model systems and new insights into T cell function have allowed for the more precise examination of how T cell responses change with aging. Importantly, recent studies have shown that age-related enhancement of both Th17 generation and regulatory T cell function may contribute to significant changes in immune function. In this review, we summarize the current views on how aging influences the factors that impact T cell function and how this can affect the immune response to infections, vaccinations, and tumors.
Haynes
Laura
L
Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA. lhaynes@trudeauinstitute.org
Maue
Alexander C
AC
D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D014611:Vaccination; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control
D020381:Interleukin-17