Aging Does Not Necessarily Mean A Weakening Immune System
When you think about old age, what comes to mind? Most people associate old age with disability and cognitive and physical impairment but researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC have found that old age is not synonymous with impairment and disability. According to the study published by the Public Library of Science in the online journal PLoS ONE, exceptional cognitive and physical function in old age leaves behind a tell-tale immunologic fingerprint.
"Our study indicates that getting older does not necessarily mean that the immune system gets weaker, as many of us assumed," says lead investigator Abbe N. de Vallejo, Ph.D., associate professor of pediatrics and immunology at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "The immune system is dynamic, and the changes it undergoes over time very much influence function."
Previous studies showed that immune cells called T-cells become more like natural killer (NK) cells, which typically targets virus-infected cell and tumor cells. For this new study, the team collected blood samples from a body of 140 participants who had been followed in the Cardiovascular Health Study for nearly 20 years and were 78-94 years old. Only two were younger than 82--the average age of the group was 86. The researchers gathered information about the participants' health and function, medical history, hospitalizations, self-rated health, and cognitive and physical function assessments via standardized tests.
A closer look at the new study revealed that those who were most physically and cognitively resilient had a dominant pattern of stimulatory NK receptors on the surface of the T-cell. These unusual T-cells can be activated directly through these NK receptors in a manner independent of the conventional ones. The functionally resilient elders also have a distinct profile of blood proteins called cytokines that reflect an immune-enhancing environment.
The group that showed mild health impairment had a dominant pattern of inhibitory NK receptors on their T-cells, with a cytokine profile indicating a pro-inflammatory environment. Both of these immunologic features might suggest greater susceptibility to illness.
"These findings indicate that there is remodeling or adaptation of the immune system as we age that can be either protective or detrimental," Dr. de Vallejo said. "Now we have an immunological fingerprint that can identify individuals who are more likely to stay physically and cognitively well."
References:
"Exceptional Cognitive and Physical Health in Old Age Leaves Immunologic Fingerprint, Study Finds." Science Daily. Science Daily, 21 Oct. 2011. Web. 25 Oct. 2011. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125808.htm.
Abbe N. Vallejo, David L. Hamel, Robert G. Mueller, Diane G. Ives, Joshua J. Michel, Robert M. Boudreau, Anne B. Newman. NK-Like T Cells and Plasma Cytokines, but Not Anti-Viral Serology, Define Immune Fingerprints of Resilience and Mild Disability in Exceptional Aging. PLoS ONE, 2011; 6 (10): e26558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026558
Comments
While I realize getting medical advice over the internet is not the best idea, my question is pretty broad so I'd like to try and get some information I can't seem to find on my own.
I have dealt tim viec
with canker sores for my whole life, and I would say I have at least one 30% of the time. Recently, however, I've noticed that when I get them, I feel kind of sick– my lymph nodes swell up, I get a fever and feel really tired.
Posted by: katt | October 27, 2011 12:01 AM
A very interesting article...
Despite the collapse of nervous system remains intact immune system ...
Posted by: Murat | December 9, 2011 10:56 AM
A closer look at the new study revealed that those who were most physically and cognitively resilient had a dominant pattern of stimulatory NK receptors on the surface of the T-cell.
Posted by: snapback hats | December 21, 2011 9:40 PM