The immune profile predicts the state of health in old age
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh claim that both a well–preserved mental and physical condition in old age and the presence of moderate disorders are characterized by specific profiles of the immune system - immune "fingerprints".
According to the head of the work, Associate Professor Abbe N. de Vallejo, the results indicate that, contrary to traditional beliefs, aging is not necessarily accompanied by a weakening of immunity. The immune system is dynamic, while its changes occurring over time have a significant impact on the functions of its components.
As part of the study, scientists collected blood samples from 140 people who had been under the supervision of specialists for about two decades as part of the Cardiovascular Health Study. At the time of sampling, the age of the participants ranged from 78 to 94 years, and only two of them were younger than 82. The researchers also collected information about the health and functional state of the participants and their medical history, including data on hospitalization. After that, they assessed the state of cognitive and physical functions of the participants using standard tests and interviewed them for an independent assessment of the state of health in general.
The results of earlier studies indicate that as the body ages, T-lymphocytes acquire signs of immune cells of another type – natural killer cells (NK cells), whose functions are to destroy tumor and virus-infected cells. A more detailed study conducted by the authors showed that elderly people with the highest indicators of the state of physical and cognitive functions are characterized by the dominance of stimulatory NK receptors on the surface of T-lymphocytes. Moreover, such unusual T-lymphocytes are able to be activated by stimulating these NK receptors, regardless of the status of T-cell receptors that provide activation of T-lymphocytes under normal conditions. The characteristic profile of cytokine signaling proteins contained in the blood, which is a reflection of the status of increased activity of the immune system, was also recorded in such "old-timers". In addition, they were found to have elevated titers of antibodies to common viruses, including cytomegalovirus.
On the surface of the T-lymphocytes of participants with moderate health abnormalities, on the contrary, the dominance of inhibitory NK receptors was found. At the same time, the cytokine profile revealed during the analysis of their blood samples indicated the presence of a pro-inflammatory status. Both of these immunological characteristics indicate an increased predisposition to a wide range of diseases.
Based on the data obtained, the researchers claim that as we age, the immune system is remodeled, the results of which can be both beneficial and detrimental to the body. The practical use of these results will make it possible to identify people who have every chance of maintaining good health and a clear mind until old age, as well as those who need timely prevention of age-related diseases.
Currently, the authors of the work are studying various factors, such as genetic characteristics and characteristics formed in childhood that can influence the process of adaptation of the immune system in old age.
The article by Abbe N. Vallejo et al. "NK-Like T Cells and Plasma Cytokines, but Not Anti-Viral Serology, Define Immune Fingerprints of Resilience and Mild Disability in Exceptional Aging was published on October 20 in the journal PlosOne.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru according to Medical News Today:
Immunological Fingerprint Discovered That May Identify Individuals Who Are More Likely To Stay Physically And Cognitively Well As They Age.
25.10.2011