Proliferative responses of blood mononuclear cells (BMNC) in a cohort of elderly humans: role of lymphocyte phenotype and cytokine production
Authors: Bruunsgaard, H.1; Pedersen, A. N.2; Schroll, M.3; Skinhøj, P.1; Pedersen, B. K.1
Source: Clinical & Experimental Immunology, Volume 119, Number 3, March 2000 , pp. 433-440(8)
Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
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Abstract:
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.Keywords: ageing; proliferation; cytokines; naive T lymphocytes
Document Type: Research article
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2000.01146.x
Affiliations: 1: Department of Infectious Diseases, H:S, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2: Centre of Preventive Medicine, Glostrup University Hospital and Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Glostrup, 3: Department of Geriatric Medicine, H:S, Bispebjerg Hospital, Denmark
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