title: Homeostasis and function of regulatory T cells in aging.
abstract: A hallmark of aging is the progressive deterioration of immune function. Age-related immune suppression increases susceptibility to infectious diseases and cancer, significant causes of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. In particular, age-related T cell dysfunction is a major contributor to 'immune-senescence'. Recently, it has become clear that the frequency of regulatory T cells (Treg) significantly increases in aged mice and humans. As Treg control the intensity of T cell responses, their accrual probably contributes to age-related immune dysfunction. This review will focus on mechanisms underlying Treg homeostasis and function in aging.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
authors.forename: Jana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Raynor
authors.forename: Celine S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Lages
authors.forename: Hesham
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shehata
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Hildeman
authors.forename: Claire A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Chougnet
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*