Abstract
A general decline of immune functions, particularly affecting the T cell compartment, has been reported to occur during aging. Some of these observations may be partially explained by a reduction in thymic hormone levels, and an altered proportion amongst the different subsets of T cells responsible for the immune response. On the other hand, the number of circulating B cells and their functional activity seems to be relatively unaffected by aging, although altered immunoglobulin production, such as an increased incidence of paraproteins, has been reported. Whilst there has been a large number of studies related to T cell function, the cytotoxic activity against unrelated tumour cell lines (NK activity) has been only partially investigated in aged subjects.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 956-957 |
Number of pages | 2 |
Journal | IRCS Medical Science |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 10 |
Publication status | Published - 1985 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
- Medicine(all)