In:
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Frontiers Media SA, Vol. 8 ( 2021-2-11)
Abstract:
In aged individuals, age-related changes in immune cells, especially T cell deficiency, are associated with an increased incidence of infection, tumor, and autoimmune disease, as well as an impaired response to vaccination. However, the features of gene expression levels in aged T cells are still unknown. Our previous study successfully tracked aged T cells generated from one wave of developing thymocytes of young age by a lineage-specific and inducible Cre-controlled reporter ( TCR δ CreER R26 ZsGreen mouse strain). In this study, we utilized this model and genome-wide transcriptomic analysis to examine changes in gene expression in aged naïve and memory T cell populations during the aging process. We identified profound gene alterations in aged CD4 and CD8 T cells. Both aged CD4 + and CD8 + naïve T cells showed significantly decreased organelle function. Importantly, genes associated with lymphocyte activation and function demonstrated a significant increase in aged memory T cells, accompanied by upregulation of immunosuppressive markers and immune checkpoints, revealing an abnormal T cell function in aged cells. Furthermore, aging significantly affects T cell survival and death signaling. While aged CD4 memory T cells exhibited pro-apoptotic gene signatures, aged CD8 memory T cells expressed anti-apoptotic genes. Thus, the transcriptional analysis of gene expression and signaling pathways in aged T cell subsets shed light on our understanding of altered immune function with aging, which will have great potential for clinical interventions for older adults.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2296-634X
DOI:
10.3389/fcell.2020.624380
DOI:
10.3389/fcell.2020.624380.s001
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
Frontiers Media SA
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2737824-X
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