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Proliferative responses of blood mononuclear cells (BMNC) in a cohort of elderly humans: role of lymphocyte phenotype and cytokine production
Article first published online: 24 DEC 2001
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2000.01146.x
1365-2249/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=d4467d7f3170476372896b9f36344ab40422bf6f "Clinical & Experimental Immunology")
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How to Cite
Bruunsgaard, H., Pedersen, A. N., Schroll, M., Skinhøj, P. and Pedersen, B. K. (2000), Proliferative responses of blood mononuclear cells (BMNC) in a cohort of elderly humans: role of lymphocyte phenotype and cytokine production. Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 119: 433–440. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2000.01146.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 24 DEC 2001
- Article first published online: 24 DEC 2001
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- ageing;
- proliferation;
- cytokines;
- naive T lymphocytes
Age-related impaired T cell function is associated with increased mortality risk. The purpose of the present study was therefore to identify factors associated with the age-related decreased phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-induced proliferative response of lymphocytes in a cohort of 174 81-year-old humans and in 91 young controls. Decreased proliferation was associated with a reduced number of true naive CD4+ cells (CD62L+CD45RO−). Furthermore, a low IL-2-stimulated proliferation was correlated with a decreased PHA response in the elderly cohort, whereas reciprocal interactions of IL-10- and IL-2-producing cells were of importance in both elderly and young subjects. Accordingly, a minimum of true naive CD4+ cells was required for a normal proliferative response to PHA, perhaps by providing sufficient IL-2 which is critical for growth of naive as well as memory cells.