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Expression of CD39 on Activated T Cells Impairs their Survival in Older Individuals. Cell reports Fang, F., Yu, M., Cavanagh, M. M., Hutter Saunders, J., Qi, Q., Ye, Z., Le Saux, S., Sultan, W., Turgano, E., Dekker, C. L., Tian, L., Weyand, C. M., Goronzy, J. J. 2016; 14 (5): 1218-1231

Abstract

In an immune response, CD4(+) T cells expand into effector T cells and then contract to survive as long-lived memory cells. To identify age-associated defects in memory cell formation, we profiled activated CD4(+) T cells and found an increased induction of the ATPase CD39 with age. CD39(+) CD4(+) T cells resembled effector T cells with signs of metabolic stress and high susceptibility to undergo apoptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of ATPase activity dampened effector cell differentiation and improved survival, suggesting that CD39 activity influences T cell fate. Individuals carrying a low-expressing CD39 variant responded better to vaccination with an increase in vaccine-specific memory T cells. Increased inducibility of CD39 after activation may contribute to the impaired vaccine response with age.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.01.002

View details for PubMedID 26832412