Are senescence and exhaustion intertwined or unrelated processes that compromise immunity?

Nat Rev Immunol. 2011 Apr;11(4):289-95. doi: 10.1038/nri2959.

Abstract

Can the immune system be reactivated continuously throughout the lifetime of an organism or is there a finite point at which repeated antigenic challenge leads to the loss of lymphocyte function or the cells themselves or both? Replicative senescence and exhaustion are processes that control T cell proliferative activity and function; however, there is considerable confusion over the relationship between these two intrinsic cellular control mechanisms. In this Opinion article, we compare the molecular regulation of senescence and exhaustion in T cells. Available data suggest that both processes are regulated independently of each other and that it may be safer to block exhaustion than senescence to enhance immunity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cellular Senescence / immunology*
  • Fatigue / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • Mice
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Virus Diseases / immunology