The frequency of regulatory CD3+CD8+CD28- CD25+ T lymphocytes in human peripheral blood increases with age

J Leukoc Biol. 2008 Dec;84(6):1454-61. doi: 10.1189/jlb.0907627. Epub 2008 Sep 9.

Abstract

Aging is commonly associated with immune deficiency and dysregulation. The aging of the immune system involves a progressive reduction in naïve T cell output associated with thymic involution and peripheral expansion of oligoclonal memory T cells. We have investigated frequency, phenotype, and function of CD3+CD8+CD28(-)CD25+ T cells in healthy volunteers over a wide age range. We demonstrate that the frequency of CD3+CD8+CD28(-)CD25+ T cells in healthy volunteers increases with age. Peripheral CD3+CD8+CD28(-)CD25+ T cells share phenotypic and functional features with CD3+CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs): In particular, they strongly express CTLA-4 and forkhead box P3. We observed that in vitro, functional titration assays of CD3+CD8+CD28(-)CD25+ T cells show equivalent regulatory function in young and elderly donors, with suppression of proliferation and cytokine production in response to polyclonal T cell stimulation. Finally, CD3+CD8+CD28(-)CD25+ T cells seem to specifically express the CD122 receptor. Altogether, these observations demonstrate an increase in peripheral blood CD8+ Tregs associated with aging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / physiology*
  • CD28 Antigens / immunology*
  • CD3 Complex / immunology*
  • CD4 Antigens / immunology*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenotype
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*

Substances

  • CD28 Antigens
  • CD3 Complex
  • CD4 Antigens
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit