Understanding T Cell Aging to Improve Anti-viral Immunity

Overview

Journal Curr Opin Virol

Publisher Elsevier

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2021 Oct 24

PMID 34688983

Citations 7

Authors

Huimin Zhang

Cornelia M Weyand

Jorg J Goronzy

Claire E Gustafson

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

T cells are a critical component of the immune system and required for protection against viral and bacterial infections. However, the capacity of these cells to provide sufficient protection declines with age, leading to an increased susceptibility to and mortality from infection in older individuals. In many cases, it also contributes to poor vaccine-induced immunity. Understanding the basic biology behind T cell aging is key to unraveling these defects and, in turn, designing more effective vaccines and therapeutics for the older population. Here, we will discuss recent studies that have provided significant insight into the features of T cell aging, how these features may contribute to poor immune responses with advancing age and newer avenues of research that may further enhance anti-viral immunity in older individuals.

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