Age-related changes in CD8 T cell homeostasis and immunity to infection

J Nikolich-Žugich, G Li, JL Uhrlaub, KR Renkema… - Seminars in …, 2012 - Elsevier
J Nikolich-Žugich, G Li, JL Uhrlaub, KR Renkema, MJ Smithey
Seminars in immunology, 2012Elsevier
Studies of CD8 T cell responses to vaccination or infection with various pathogens in both
animal models and human subjects have revealed a markedly consistent array of age-
related defects. In general, recent work shows that aged CD8 T cell responses are
decreased in magnitude, and show poor differentiation into effector cells, with a reduced
arsenal of effector functions. Here we review potential mechanisms underlying these
defects. We specifically address phenotypic and numeric changes to the naïve CD8 T cell …
Studies of CD8 T cell responses to vaccination or infection with various pathogens in both animal models and human subjects have revealed a markedly consistent array of age-related defects. In general, recent work shows that aged CD8 T cell responses are decreased in magnitude, and show poor differentiation into effector cells, with a reduced arsenal of effector functions. Here we review potential mechanisms underlying these defects. We specifically address phenotypic and numeric changes to the naïve CD8 T cell precursor pool, the impact of persistent viral infection(s) and inflammation, and contributions of the aging environment in which these cells are activated.
Elsevier