Abstract
The waning of cell-mediated immunity during aging has been attributed primarily to defects in T lymphocyte properties and functions. We assessed the potential contribution of accessory dysfunction of monocytes from the elderly on responses of T cells to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and to tetanus toxoid after in vivo boosting. Accessory function of monocytes from the elderly subjects for T lymphocyte responses to tetanus toxoid was comparable to the young. Expression of the cytokines interleukin-1. intcrleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor, the cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and LFA-3 and the class II major histocompatibility molecule HLA-DR by monocytes from the elderly and young subjects was similar. T lymphocytes from the elderly responded poorly to PHA. Monocytes from the elderly had a decreased accessory function for PHA-stimu-lated T cells from young, third donors. Thus, although many accessory properties of monocytes from the elderly are normal. the monocyte and T lymphocyte defects in the elderly for mitogen may represent interactive factors in cell-mediated immunity during aging.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 93-108 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Gerontology |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1993 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cell adhesion molecules
- Cytokines
- Immunoregulation
- Immunosenescence
- Mononuclear phagocytes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Aging
- Geriatrics and Gerontology