Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like lymphocytes and are important for immune responses against bacterial and viral infections. While MAIT cells are known to undergo marked numerical changes with age in humans, our understanding of how these cells alter during these different phases across the human lifespan is largely unknown. Here we investigated MAIT cells from umbilical cord, children, young-adults and elderly. Functional analyses across 18-90 y/o adults showed that their MR1-dependent polyfunctionality was robust throughout old age. Strikingly, elderly MAIT cells displayed upregulated basal inflammatory cytokines, which were reduced to the level of young-adult MAIT cells in the absence of the aged environment. T cell receptor αβ analyses of MAIT cells across the human lifespan showed narrowing with age and large clonal TCRαβ expansions in elderly. These data suggest that MAIT cells in the elderly display remarkable plasticity, highlighting MAIT cells as key players in aged immune responses.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
