title: Convergence of Innate and Adaptive Immunity during Human Aging.
abstract: Aging is associated with profound changes in the human immune system, a phenomenon referred to as immunosenescence. This complex immune remodeling affects the adaptive immune system and the CD8+T cell compartment in particular, leading to the accumulation of terminally differentiated T cells, which can rapidly exert their effector functions at the expenses of a limited proliferative potential. In this review, we will discuss evidence suggesting that senescent αβCD8+T cells acquire the hallmarks of innate-like T cells and use recently acquired NK cell receptors as an alternative mechanism to mediate rapid effector functions. These cells concomitantly lose expression of co-stimulatory receptors and exhibit decreased T cell receptor signaling, suggesting a functional shift away from antigen-specific activation. The convergence of innate and adaptive features in senescent T cells challenges the classic division between innate and adaptive immune systems. Innate-like T cells are particularly important for stress and tumor surveillance, and we propose a new role for these cells in aging, where the acquisition of innate-like functions may represent a beneficial adaptation to an increased burden of malignancy with age, although it may also pose a higher risk of autoimmune disorders.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London , London , UK.
authors.forename: Branca I
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.affiliation: Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London , London , UK.
authors.forename: Arne N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Akbar
keywords: T cell receptor; aging; immunosenescence; innate-like T lymphocytes; natural killer receptors