Lymphopenia-driven homeostatic regulation of naive T cells in elderly and thymectomized young adults

J Immunol. 2012 Dec 15;189(12):5541-8. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1201235. Epub 2012 Nov 7.

Abstract

Reduced thymopoiesis and continuous mobilization of naive T cells into the effector-memory pool can lead to severe alterations of the naive T cell compartment. However, maintenance of the naive T cell population is essential to mount effective immune responses. Evidence of homeostatic regulation of naive T cells is currently debated in animal models. In humans, the situation remains unresolved, in particular with advanced age. In this study, we analyzed the CD4(+) and CD8(+) naive T cell compartments from elderly, young adults thymectomized during early childhood, and HIV-1-infected patients, which are characterized by T lymphocytopenia. We show a direct association between increased turnover and decreased frequency of naive T cells. Moreover, the IL-7-induced pathway was fully functional in naive T cells from elderly and young adults thymectomized during early childhood, who are characterized by elevated IL-7 plasma levels. Our findings support the establishment of homeostatic regulation of naive T cell proliferation in humans. This regulation is particularly active in lymphopenic hosts, such as elderly and thymectomized patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology*
  • Female
  • Homeostasis / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory / immunology
  • Lymphopenia / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / pathology
  • Thymectomy*
  • Young Adult