Convergence of Innate and Adaptive Immunity during Human Aging

• Published in: Frontiers in immunology Vol. 7; p. 445
• Main Authors: Pereira, Branca I, Akbar, Arne N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 04.11.2016
• Subjects: Aging; Immunology; immunosenescence; innate-like T lymphocytes; Natural killer receptors; T cell receptor; innate-like T lymphocytes; immunosenescence; T cell receptor; aging; natural killer receptors
• ISSN: 1664-3224; 1664-3224
• DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00445

Aging is associated with profound changes in the human immune system, a phenomenon referred to as immunosenescence. This complex immune remodeling affects the adaptive immune system and the CD8 T cell compartment in particular, leading to the accumulation of terminally differentiated T cells, which can rapidly exert their effector functions at the expenses of a limited proliferative potential. In this review, we will discuss evidence suggesting that senescent αβCD8 T cells acquire the hallmarks of innate-like T cells and use recently acquired NK cell receptors as an alternative mechanism to mediate rapid effector functions. These cells concomitantly lose expression of co-stimulatory receptors and exhibit decreased T cell receptor signaling, suggesting a functional shift away from antigen-specific activation. The convergence of innate and adaptive features in senescent T cells challenges the classic division between innate and adaptive immune systems. Innate-like T cells are particularly important for stress and tumor surveillance, and we propose a new role for these cells in aging, where the acquisition of innate-like functions may represent a beneficial adaptation to an increased burden of malignancy with age, although it may also pose a higher risk of autoimmune disorders.