Shaping of NK cell subsets by aging

Rafael Solana; Carmen Campos; Alejandra Pera; Raquel Tarazona

doi:10.1016/j.coi.2014.04.002

Shaping of NK cell subsets by aging

Curr Opin Immunol. 2014 Aug:29:56-61. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2014.04.002. Epub 2014 May 8.

Authors

Rafael Solana¹, Carmen Campos², Alejandra Pera², Raquel Tarazona³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Immunology, IMIBIC - Reina Sofia University Hospital - University of Cordoba, REIPI, Cordoba, Spain. Electronic address: rsolana@uco.es.
² Department of Immunology, IMIBIC - Reina Sofia University Hospital - University of Cordoba, REIPI, Cordoba, Spain.
³ Immunology Unit, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain.

PMID: 24792889
DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2014.04.002

Abstract

NK cells are key players in the innate immune response against virus infection and tumors. Here we describe the current knowledge on age-associated changes in NK cells and the role of persistent CMV infection in configuring NK cell compartment in the elderly. Aging but not CMV causes a redistribution of NK cell subsets as shown by a decrease of CD56bright cells and an increase of CD56-CD16+ NK cells. On the contrary the changes in CD56dimCD16+ NK cells are compatible with the accumulation of CD57+ long-lived NK cells that can also be observed in young CMV-seropositive individuals. NK cell function and dynamics in the elderly will be related not only with age but also with exposure to pathogens, especially CMV.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Aging*
Animals
CD56 Antigen / immunology
Cell Shape
Homeostasis
Humans
Killer Cells, Natural / cytology
Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
Receptors, IgG / immunology

Substances

CD56 Antigen
Receptors, IgG