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Abstract

Reduced number of naïve T cells along with an accumulation of differentiated cell types in aging has been described but little is known about the polyfunctionality of T cells. In this study we compared the individual cytokine and polyfunctional profiles of T cell subsets, including newly described stem cell like memory T cells (TSCM) in response to stimulation with submaximal concentration of non-specific mitogen in older (median age 80, n=23) versus younger (median age 27; n=23) adults using multicolor flow cytometry. Secretion of IFN-γ, MIP-1α, TNF-α, perforin, and IL-2 were measured. Polyfunctionality was determined using FlowJo and SPICE (NIAID). Aging was associated with a marked decline in CD8+ naïve cells (11% vs. 47 %; p<0.0001) and an expansion in memory cell types including central memory (p<0.05), effector memory and effectors (p<0.001 for both) compared to younger subjects. There was also a decline in CD4+ naïve cells with age (33% vs. 45%; p=0.02). There were no differences in frequencies or cytokine profiles of TSCM between groups. CD8+ naïve cells in the older group had increased secretion of all cytokines measured compared to the younger subjects and exhibited greater polyfunctionality (p=0.03). CD4+ naïve cells among the older group also had greater polyfunctionality with a TNF-α and IL-2 dominance (p=0.001). The decline in naïve T cells in aging, rather than their polyfunctional potential maybe contributing to immunosenescence.

This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://dbpia.nl.go.kr/pages/standard-publication-reuse-rights)
Issue Section:
Immune Regulation by Cytokines and Chemokines Session
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