481 Differences in Humoral and Cellular Immunity in Young and Old Individuals

Abstract

BackgroundThe immune system changes with the age. In this study we characterized immune changes by performing immunologic screening profiles on aging individuals (graduation thesis).MethodsThis study was performed at Akdeniz University, in the Faculty of Medicine, Dept. of Immunology. Healthy volunteers consisted of a young group (22 donors) and an older group (45 individuals). Using flow cytometry analysis, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD19, CD28, CD40, CD45, CD56, CD80, CD86, CTLA-4 and with ELISA IL-1 β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α expression were evaluated, along with and NK activity and induced cytokine expression (by bioassay/ELISA respectively).ResultsNo statistical differences were observed between the 2 groups in expression of CD3, CD8, CD19, CD80, CD86, CD16, CD 56 or CD28. A higher frequency of expression of CD4, CTLA-4, CD40 and CD45 was seen in older subjects by comparison with young subjects. Cytokine profiles expressed by stimulated monocytes from the 2 groups showed no difference in IL-1 β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ production levels. Cytokine profiles expressed by stimulated lymphocytes from the 2 groups showed no difference in IL-1 β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ production levels.ConclusionsWe found increased expression levels of CD40 and CD45 levels in healthy older (>55 years old) versus young individuals (media age 28 years). CTLA-4 expression levels were also higher in elderly subjects, with no difference in CD28 expression levels between young/elderly individuals.