Reference
Nikolich-Zugich, Janko, Li, Gang, Uhrlaub, Jennifer L, Renkema, Kristin R, Smithey, Megan J. Age-related changes in CD8 T cell homeostasis and immunity to infection. Semin Immunol. 2012;24(5):356-64. doi:10.1016/j.smim.2012.04.009
Abstract
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.