Year: 2012
Type: review
Abstract: Persistent viral infections, inflammatory syndromes and ageing all induce the accumulation of highly differentiated CD45RA re-expressing memory T cells. These cells increase during ageing, especially in individuals who are infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV). These cells have decreased proliferative capacity, increased activation of senescence signalling pathways and greater susceptibility to apoptosis in vitro. However these cells are capable of multiple effector functions and thus bear all the hallmarks of short-lived effector T cells. This indicates that senescence signalling may govern the unique characteristics of effector T cells. In this article, we address the functional and migratory properties of these T cells and mechanisms that are involved in their generation. Finally we assess the potential for manipulation of their activity and whether this may improve immune function during ageing.
Source: Current Opinion in Immunology
Authors: Sian M Henson, Natalie E Riddell, Arne N Akbar
Institution: University College London
Language: English
Topic: T-cell and B-cell Immunology
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,410
OpenAlex ID: W2164575308